UAV Authentication Handover via AMF-SMF Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining continuous authentication and information exchange for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) due to their mobility, leading to potential authentication loss and service disruption.
Innovation Solution
A method and device are introduced to support authentication of UAVs through an access and mobility management function (AMF) and network exposure function (NEF) in a wireless communication system, enabling the selection of a session management function (SMF) and transfer of authentication-related information using the user plane, ensuring seamless communication with external entities like UTM and USS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wireless communication systems are used for UAVs, then basic communication is possible, but authentication is lost during mobility leading to service disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF proactively stores authentication information and proactively transmits it to target SMFs before the UAV completes mobility to a new area, ensuring authentication continuity without service disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The AMF acts as an intermediary between SMFs and external entities (UTM, USS), receiving and transmitting authentication information through the user plane to maintain continuous authentication during UAV mobility
2Reliability
If authentication information is continuously exchanged during UAV mobility, then authentication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF performs multiple functions including authentication information storage, SMF selection, and information transmission to external entities, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The AMF serves as a central intermediary that manages authentication information flow between SMFs and external entities, simplifying the system by centralizing control rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer communication protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for supporting authentication of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a wireless communication system, the method performed by an access and mobility management function (AMF) in a wireless communication system supporting authentication of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) including at least one of an UAV or an unmanned aerial vehicle controller (UAVC) is provided. The method includes receiving, from the UAS, a packet data unit (PDU) session establishment request including information associated with the UAV for the authentication and connection establishment, selecting, based on the information associated with the UAV, a session management function (SMF) supporting an authentication related function for the UAS, and transmitting, to the selected SMF, the PDU session establishment request.