Unified Subscription Identifier Structure for 5G Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of subscription identifiers in 5G communication systems is challenging due to the need for different formats such as SUPI, SUCI, and IMSI, which are not adequately addressed by existing 3GPP specifications, leading to complexity in authentication procedures.
Innovation Solution
A unified subscription identifier data structure is introduced, comprising various fields that can represent SUPI, SUCI, or IMSI, along with associated parameters, enabling seamless authentication across different scenarios by encoding and decoding these identifiers efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple subscription identifier formats (SUPI, SUCI, IMSI) are supported for different authentication scenarios, then authentication versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal subscription identifier data structure that can represent multiple identifier types (SUPI, SUCI, IMSI) within a single unified format. This allows the system to handle different authentication scenarios using one versatile data structure rather than separate structures for each identifier type, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified data structure uses configurable parameters and flags to dynamically indicate which specific identifier format is being used. By changing parameter values within the same data structure rather than switching between different structures, the system achieves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If subscription identifiers are properly managed with all necessary parameters, then authentication reliability is improved, but transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The subscription identifier information is segmented into essential core fields and optional parameter fields. The data structure includes only the necessary identifier type and core subscription information in all cases, while additional parameters are included only when required by the specific authentication scenario, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing transmission overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by including only the subset of parameters actually needed for each authentication scenario rather than transmitting all possible parameters universally. The data structure allows selective inclusion of parameters based on the authentication context, reducing unnecessary data transmission while ensuring all required information is present for reliable authentication.
Data Source
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AI summary
At given user equipment in a communication system, a unified subscription identifier data structure is constructed. The unified subscription identifier data structure includes a plurality of fields that specify information for a selected one of two or more subscription identifier types and selectable parameters associated with the selected subscription identifier type, and wherein the information in the unified subscription identifier data structure is useable by the given user equipment to access one or more networks associated with the communication system based on an authentication scenario corresponding to the selected subscription identifier type. For example, during different authentication scenarios, the given user equipment utilizes the unified subscription identifier data structure to provide the appropriate subscription identifier (e.g., SUPI, SUCI or IMSI) and associated parameters for the given authentication scenario.