Network Slice Authorization for Secure SMS Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G systems do not provide the capability to control and secure Short Message Service (SMS) delivery on a per-network slice basis, which is necessary for ensuring specific security and network characteristics for corporate-related SMS, as SMS is not protected or encrypted and is delivered over all network slices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism in the 5G system that allows SMS service on specific authorized network slices by enabling wireless devices to request and receive allowed Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) during registration, ensuring SMS delivery only over selected slices, and managing SMSF allocation and subscription data at the core network level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SMS is delivered over all network slices, then SMS delivery coverage is maximized, but network security and compliance control are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating SMS delivery rights across different network slices. Instead of uniform delivery across all slices, the system grants SMS service rights only to specific authorized slices (e.g., corporate slices) while denying access to other slices (e.g., public slices). This is achieved through slice-specific authorization mechanisms that evaluate whether a given slice is permitted for SMS delivery before allowing the service to proceed.
2Device complexity
If SMS is not protected or encrypted, then network complexity is reduced, but security and compliance requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authorization mechanism between the SMS service and the network slices. This intermediary layer (the slice authorization function) acts as a mediator that decides whether SMS delivery is permitted on a given slice without requiring encryption or complex protection mechanisms. The authorization decision is made at the slice level before SMS processing occurs, providing security through access control rather than data protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If network slicing is implemented for SMS, then security and compliance control are improved, but device complexity and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring which network slices are authorized for SMS delivery before actual SMS traffic occurs. Slice authorization information is established in advance through network configuration, allowing the system to make automated authorization decisions during SMS delivery without requiring complex real-time analysis or configuration. This pre-establishment of authorization rules simplifies the runtime processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for providing short message service (SMS) on a network slice basis are provided within a system that includes a wireless device and control plane entities. The wireless device sends a Registration Request message a control plane entity indicating that the Registration is for SMS and receives a Registration Response message comprising the allowed Single Network slice Selection Assistance information (S-NSSAI) that are to be used for the SMS. The control plane entity determines the allowed S-NSSAI for SMS and activates one or more SMS functions for the allowed S-NSSAI for SMS delivery, hence enabling a solution where SMS can be delivered over specific network slices instead of being network slice agnostic.