UAV Authorization in 3GPP Networks via AMF and UDM Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) authorization in 3GPP networks are cumbersome, requiring prior flight authorization from Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management (UTM) before establishing a data connection, which complicates the process for UAVs to request resources from the network.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves methods for receiving UAV authorization by exchanging credentials between a UAV and a 3GPP network, where the network initiates authorization procedures without prior flight approval, using Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) requests, Unified Data Management (UDM) subscription information, and Session Management Function (SMF) authentication to establish user plane resources for UAV services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior flight authorization from UTM is required before establishing data connection, then UAV authorization is ensured, but the authorization process becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flight authorization process with the data connection establishment process into a single integrated procedure. The AMF combines UAV authorization checking with PDU session establishment, eliminating the need for separate prior authorization steps while maintaining security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authorization setup by storing UAV authorization status in the UE context during initial registration. This preliminary action allows subsequent data connection requests to be processed without repeating the full authorization procedure, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If prior flight authorization from UTM is required before establishing data connection, then UAV authorization is ensured, but the time required for resource request increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authorization setup by storing UAV authorization status in the UE context during initial registration. This preliminary action allows subsequent data connection requests to be processed without repeating the full authorization procedure, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the AMF checks the UE context for existing authorization status before initiating new authorization procedures. This feedback loop prevents redundant authorization requests and reduces time loss by reusing existing authorization information when valid.
3Reliability
If UAVs must request flight authorization before data connection, then proper authorization control is maintained, but the interaction between UAVs and network becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flight authorization process with the data connection establishment process into a single integrated procedure. The AMF combines UAV authorization checking with PDU session establishment, eliminating the need for separate prior authorization steps while maintaining security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authorization by allowing UAVs to automatically present their authorization credentials during connection requests. The network functions autonomously verify authorization status using stored UE context information, reducing manual intervention and simplifying the interaction process.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for receiving authorization for an unmanned aerial vehicle (or uncrewed aerial vehicle) (UAV) are disclosed. One method (700) includes receiving (705) a first request from an Access and Mobility Management Function (143) in which the first request includes an indication to establish user plane resources for Unmanned Aerial System (“UAS”) services for a UAV device (106). The method further includes retrieving (710) subscription information from a Unified Data Management (149) node, the subscription information indicating that UAV authorization is required by a UAS Service Subscriber (157) and/or CAS Traffic Management (157) server, and sending (715) a second request to a UAS network function (147) to initiate the UAV authorization.