Network Slice Certificate Orchestration for Tenant-Specific CA Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP specifications do not support flexible automated certificate management configurations for network slices and tenants, leading to potential security risks and additional costs for vertical users who rely on operator-provided services.
Innovation Solution
A network slice certificate orchestrator (NSCO) provides interfaces for authorized third parties to configure their own root or subordinate CAs for managing certificates, allowing flexible automated certificate management services for specific network slices or tenants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If operator-provided certificate management services are used, then security is maintained through centralized control, but flexibility and cost-effectiveness are reduced for vertical users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the certificate management system by introducing network slice-specific certificate authorities (CAs) that operate independently within each network slice. This allows vertical users to have dedicated certificate management capabilities within their own slices while the overall system remains structured and controllable through the NSCO framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to certificate management by introducing the network slice layer as an intermediate level between the operator's core system and individual tenants. The NSCO operates at this new dimensional level, enabling flexible certificate management for each slice without compromising the centralized security model.
2Productivity
If automated certificate management is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but security risks increase without proper configuration controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the NSCO pre-configure certificate authority settings, policies, and parameters before automated certificate issuance begins. This ensures that security controls are established in advance, allowing automation to proceed without compromising security reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the NSCO monitors and manages certificate lifecycle events, automatically responding to renewal needs, revocation requests, and security incidents. This closed-loop feedback ensures automated management maintains high security standards through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If centralized operator control is maintained, then security policy consistency is ensured, but tenant autonomy and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each network slice to have customized certificate management policies, CA configurations, and security parameters tailored to specific tenant needs. Meanwhile, the NSCO ensures these local customizations align with overall operator security standards, achieving both tenant autonomy and policy consistency.
4Reliability
If manual certificate management is used, then security control is maintained, but operational costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated certificate issuance, renewal, and management processes within each network slice. The NSCO enables tenants to automatically manage their own certificates according to pre-configured policies, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining security control through automated enforcement of security standards.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, methods, apparatuses and computer readable media supporting network slice or tenant specific automated certificate management configurations. A network slice certificate orchestrator may be configured to receive from a management system certification authority configuration indicative of a certification authority configured for one or more network slices, and transmit to a registration authority or a certification authority a certificate request with respect to a network function allocated to one of the one or more network slices along with information of the certification authority configured for the one or more network slices.