RAN User Identifier Mapping for User-Specific 5G Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 4G/5G communication systems struggle to provide differentiated services to users due to the inability to specify users based on cell-related information collected by the RAN or O-RAN, as the RAN UE identifier is used but user-specific information like IMSI or SUPI is not known.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for identifying a user equipment (UE) and generating a unique identifier, such as 5G-GUTI or GUTI, based on information from the UE and network entities like AMF or MME, and transmitting this information to other nodes for user-specific service provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RAN UE identifier is used for user identification, then radio resource monitoring can be performed, but user-specific information cannot be obtained for differentiated services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mapping relation as an intermediary between the RAN UE identifier (observable in cell information) and the unique user identifier (5G-GUTI/GUTI). This mapping table stored in the RIC enables indirect access to user-specific information without directly exposing sensitive identifiers in cell broadcasts, thus resolving the contradiction between monitoring capability and information availability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unique user identifier (5G-GUTI/GUTI) is transmitted in cell information, then user-specific services can be provided, but security and privacy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping relation acts as a security intermediary that decouples the public cell information from sensitive user identifiers. The RIC stores the mapping between RAN UE identifier and unique user identifier, allowing secure user-specific service provisioning without directly transmitting sensitive identifiers in cell broadcasts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a surrogate identifier (RAN UE identifier) that copies or represents the unique user identifier for the purpose of cell information broadcasting. This copy enables user-specific service differentiation without exposing the actual sensitive identifier, thus maintaining security while providing adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If mapping relation information is transmitted to multiple nodes, then user identification capability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RIC serves as a centralized intermediary node that manages the mapping relation information. Instead of distributing complex identification logic across multiple nodes, the RIC consolidates the mapping table and provides unified user identification support to connected nodes, improving identification capability while centralizing management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for identifying a user in a radio access network (RAN), and a first node in the wireless communication system are provided. The method includes identifying a unique identifier of a UE, identifying a radio access network (RAN) UE identifier of the UE, and transmitting information related to a mapping relation between the RAN UE identifier and the unique identifier of the UE to a second node, based on the unique identifier of the UE.