Shared Core Network Authentication for Multi-Operator Mobile Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems face limitations in sharing radio resources and providing flexible services across multiple mobile communication operators, with existing techniques restricting time slots and lacking flexibility in inter-operator communication.
Innovation Solution
A management system and method that enables sharing of a mobile communication system among multiple operators by registering and authenticating terminal apparatuses from different operators, allowing flexible service provision through identification information exchange and network platform control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If time slots are shared among multiple operators as described in PTL 1, then radio resources can be shared, but the time slots to be shared are restricted which reduces radio resources to be shared
Solution Approach 1:
The core network node is designed to handle multiple operators' terminal apparatuses universally. The node stores and manages identification information from different operators (first operator, second operator, and third operator) and performs authentication functions for all of them, making the core network infrastructure multi-functional and operator-agnostic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments operator-specific identification information management while maintaining a unified core network node. Each operator's terminal identification information is stored separately within the same core network node, allowing distinct management of different operators' resources while enabling flexible sharing through the common infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a shared core network node stores identification information of terminal apparatuses from multiple operators, then inter-operator communication becomes possible, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication and identification management functions of multiple operators into a single core network node. Instead of having separate core network nodes for each operator, the system combines these functions into one unified node that handles identification information from multiple operators, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling inter-operator communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The core network node acts as an intermediary that mediates between terminal apparatuses from different operators. It stores and manages the identification information of multiple operators' terminals and performs authentication, serving as a neutral mediator that enables communication between operators without requiring complex direct peer-to-peer configurations between operator networks.
3Productivity
If the core network authenticates terminal apparatuses from different operators, then flexible service provision is enabled, but authentication and management overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core network node pre-stores the identification information of terminal apparatuses from multiple operators before authentication is needed. By having this information readily available in advance, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming information exchange during the authentication process, thereby reducing authentication processing time while maintaining comprehensive multi-operator support.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to share a mobile communication system among a plurality of mobile communication operators for enabling provision of a more flexible service than before, a management system includes: an obtaining unit configured to obtain identification information of a first terminal apparatus managed by a first mobile communication operator, and identification information of a second terminal apparatus managed by a second mobile communication operator different from the first mobile communication operator; and a first transmitting unit configured to transmit, to a core network node managing a terminal apparatus connected to a core network in a mobile communication system, the identification information of the first terminal apparatus and the identification information of the second terminal apparatus.