Subscriber Identity Element Subnetwork Profile Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication technologies face challenges in efficiently authenticating communication devices to communication networks, particularly in fifth-generation (5G) networks, where subscriber identity elements are fixedly integrated, and managing subscriber profiles across decentralized subnetworks is complex.
Innovation Solution
A subscriber identity element with a memory storing an initialization profile that includes a subnetwork identifier, and a communication interface to establish a link with a profile server, allowing retrieval of a subscriber profile for authentication, enabling efficient initialization and management of subscriber profiles within a dedicated subnetwork, such as a slice of the communication network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If subscriber identity elements are fixedly integrated in communication devices for 5G networks, then device security and network reliability are improved, but the complexity of managing subscriber profiles across decentralized subnetworks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the profile management system by introducing subnetwork identifiers that allow the subscriber identity element to distinguish between different subnetworks. The initialization profile contains subnetwork identifier information, enabling the device to connect to the appropriate profile server in decentralized 5G networks, thereby managing complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the initialization profile acts as a mediator between the fixed subscriber identity element and the decentralized profile servers. This intermediary contains necessary subnetwork identification data, allowing the device to locate and communicate with the correct profile server without increasing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If subscriber profiles are managed in decentralized subnetworks, then network flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the difficulty of initializing and accessing profile servers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the subscriber identity element with an initialization profile during manufacturing or activation. This initialization profile contains subnetwork identifier information before the device is deployed, enabling it to automatically locate and connect to the appropriate profile server in decentralized networks without increasing access difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service initialization by using the subnetwork identifier from its initialization profile to autonomously locate and connect to the correct profile server. This self-service mechanism maintains network flexibility while eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or increased access difficulty
3Reliability
If a hidden profile server is used for increased security, then system security is improved, but the complexity of establishing communication links increases
Solution Approach 1:
The initialization profile serves as an intermediary that contains pre-configured subnetwork identifier information. This intermediary enables the device to establish secure communication links with hidden profile servers by providing necessary identification data without requiring the device to directly discover or locate the hidden servers, thus maintaining security while managing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A subscriber identity element authenticates a communication device to a communication network. The communication network comprises a subnetwork having a profile server. The subscriber identity element comprises: a memory in which an initialization profile of the subscriber identity element is stored, wherein the initialization profile indicates a subnetwork identifier of the subnetwork; and a communication interface, configured to establish a communication link to the profile server using the subnetwork identifier and to retrieve a subscriber profile from the profile server via the communication link.