Subscriber Identity Module Subnetwork Identifier Collision Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of subscriber identity modules in mobile radio networks, particularly in M2M communication, leads to challenges in maintaining unique identifiers, resulting in collisions as cloning becomes necessary, which complicates access and authentication.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a communication profile that includes a subnetwork identifier for each subscriber identity module, allowing them to be assigned to different logical sub-networks or network slices, thereby avoiding collisions and enabling unique identifiers even when modules have identical subscriber identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If subscriber identity modules are cloned to meet increasing demand, then the quantity of subscribers is improved, but collisions occur and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of subscriber identity modulesVSAvoiduniqueness of subscriber identifiers

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network is segmented into multiple logical subnetworks (network slices) identified by different S-NSSAIs. Subscriber identity modules are assigned to specific slices, so that cloned modules with identical subscriber identifiers can operate in different slices without colliding. This segmentation allows unlimited cloning while maintaining uniqueness within each slice context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds a new dimension to subscriber identification by introducing the network slice identifier (S-NSSAI) as an additional distinguishing parameter. Instead of relying solely on the traditional subscriber identifier, the system now uses a composite identification that includes both the subscriber identifier and the network slice identifier, enabling unique identification in a multi-dimensional space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If traditional subscriber identification is used, then simplicity of operation is maintained, but adaptability to large-scale M2M communication deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of accessVSAvoidscalability to M2M communication

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network slice assignment mechanism provides a universal solution that works for both traditional human users and M2M devices. The same core subscriber identifier is used, but with the added capability of assigning different network slices. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle diverse M2M applications (IoT, MTC, eMTC, NB-IoT) while maintaining compatibility with existing subscriber identification processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3276994B1Subscriber identity module for access to a mobile phone network

Publication Date: 2020.05.20 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a subscriber identity module (303a) for accessing a mobile network (320) with a memory (305a) in which a communication profile is stored, wherein the communication profile indicates a subnetwork identifier of a subnetwork (321 ac) of the mobile network (320), and a communication interface (307a) which is configured to establish a communication connection to the subnetwork (321 ac) of the mobile network (320) using the subnetwork identifier.