User Equipment Control Plane Authorization for Secure Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telecommunications networks limit flexibility and security in configuring user equipment parameters, as only the home network can modify critical parameters, while non-critical parameters can be changed by the visited network or user with weak or no authentication, restricting desirable configurations and potentially compromising security.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control plane functionality that allows user equipment to receive authorization information and process requests from external network nodes, using OAuth principles for delegated authorization, enabling third-party authorization, conditional access, and secure configuration modifications through a control plane channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only the home network can modify critical parameters of user equipment, then security is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authorization mechanism by introducing an authorization token system that divides the traditional home-network-only control into multiple authorized entities. The home network retains control by issuing tokens, while other networks can modify parameters when presented with valid tokens, thus segmenting the authorization function while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The authorization token acts as an intermediary that mediates between the home network and external networks. Instead of direct control, the home network issues tokens that serve as intermediaries, allowing external networks to modify parameters securely without direct access, thus resolving the contradiction between security and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If visited network or user can change non-critical parameters with weak or no authentication, then flexibility is improved, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by requiring authorization tokens to be obtained before parameter modification. External networks must first acquire valid tokens from the home network, establishing authorization in advance. This preliminary authorization step ensures that while flexibility is maintained through multiple potential authors, security is preserved through pre-validated credentials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control plane functionality is implemented with authorization tokens, then security and flexibility are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the user equipment validates authorization tokens received from external networks against the home network's authorization data. This feedback loop ensures that only properly authorized modifications are accepted, maintaining security and flexibility while managing complexity through structured validation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating or for modifying the operation of a user equipment within or as part of a telecommunications network includes the following steps: in a first step, the user equipment receives, from an authorization functionality, at least one piece of authorization information, and the user equipment receives, from a requesting entity or a requesting network node, an authorization request message; and in a second step, the user equipment determines whether the authorization request is valid, and based on the authorization request being valid, processes the received authorization request message according to its content.