Subscriber Data Management for Missing IMSI Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication networks, the management of subscriber identities is challenging due to the reliance on MSISDN for service modifications, which can lead to service denial when IMSI information is required for authentication, as IMSI is not always available in the operator's database dedicated to enterprise subscriptions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable a network node to recognize missing identifiers in a database, perform queries within the mobile communication network to retrieve missing identifiers like IMSI, and deliver them to the database for storage, ensuring comprehensive authentication and authorization data are available for service access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If MSISDN is used for managing subscriber information in enterprise databases, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates when IMSI is required for authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively queries the mobile communication network register to retrieve IMSI information in advance when MSISDN is detected in the enterprise database. This preliminary action ensures that both MSISDN and IMSI are stored before authentication is needed, preventing service denial and resolving the reliability issue while maintaining ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If enterprise customers manage subscriptions using only MSISDN, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when IMSI is needed for certain services
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary query mechanism that automatically retrieves IMSI from the mobile communication network register when MSISDN is present. This intermediary process bridges the gap between the simplified MSISDN-based management interface and the IMSI-requiring authentication services, enhancing adaptability without increasing enterprise customer complexity.
3Loss of information
If IMSI information is not stored in operator database for enterprise subscriptions, then loss of information is minimized, but service denial occurs when IMSI authentication is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a self-service mechanism where the operator database automatically detects when IMSI is needed and retrieves it from the mobile communication network register without manual intervention. This self-service approach ensures IMSI is available when required for service authentication while avoiding unnecessary storage of unused information, balancing data efficiency with service reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for retrieving an identifier from a register residing in a mobile communication network, wherein the identifier is mobile subscription specific includes steps of recognizing a modification of information relating to a mobile subscription in a database; determining if the identifier with respect to the mobile subscription, whose information was modified, is missing; performing a query, in response to the determination of missing identifier, towards the register residing in the mobile communication network to request the missing identifier; receiving the missing identifier from the register; delivering the received missing identifier to the database for storing in a context of the mobile subscription. A network node and a system executing the method are also described.