UE ID Mapping for 5G Sidelink Ranging and Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3GPP specifications lack a procedure for the Location Management Function (LMF) to obtain Application Layer User IDs of User Equipment (UE) for sidelink ranging and positioning, and there is no clear method for mapping between Subscription Permanent Identifiers (SUPI) and Application Layer User IDs during device discovery via the PC5 reference point.

Innovation Solution

Introduce a 5G Direct Discovery Name Management Function (DDNMF) that provides mappings between SUPI and Sidelink Ranging Application User IDs (SRAUID), enabling the LMF to identify UEs during sidelink device discovery by assigning or retrieving SRAUIDs as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If SUPI is used to identify UE in network functions, then UE identification is standardized and permanent, but Application Layer User IDs cannot be obtained for sidelink device discovery

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE identification reliabilityVSAvoidApplication Layer User ID availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A mapping relationship is introduced as an intermediary between SUPI and Application Layer User IDs. The DDNMF maintains a mapping table that links SUPI to SRAUID/SRDUID, enabling conversion between network-identified SUPI and discovery-layer Application Layer User IDs without direct conflict between the two identification systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If LMF uses SUPI for UE identification, then network-based identification is maintained, but LMF cannot directly obtain Application Layer User IDs for PC5 interface discovery

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLMF operation simplicityVSAvoidApplication Layer User ID access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The DDNMF provides feedback to the LMF by returning the mapped Application Layer User ID (SRAUID/SRDUID) after receiving the SUPI. This feedback mechanism enables the LMF to obtain the needed Application Layer User ID information while maintaining its existing SUPI-based identification workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

DDNMF acts as an intermediary service between LMF and the Application Layer. The LMF queries DDNMF with SUPI, and DDNMF returns the corresponding Application Layer User ID, bridging the gap between network identification and discovery layer requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If direct mapping between SUPI and Application Layer User IDs is implemented, then UE discovery efficiency is improved, but network architecture complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE discovery efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

DDNMF is designed as a universal name management function that handles multiple identification scenarios. It serves both SUPI-based network identification and Application Layer User ID-based discovery functions, consolidating what could be separate complex systems into a single multi-functional service

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260046814A1Towards UE id mappings for 5g sidelink ranging and positioning

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Systems and methods for mapping User Equipment (UE) Identities (IDs), e.g., for sidelink ranging/positioning. In one embodiment, a method performed by a network node includes receiving, from a Network Function (NF) consumer, a service request including either: (a) a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) of a particular UE or (b) a Sidelink Ranging Application User Identity (SRAUID) and/or a Sidelink Ranging Discovery User Identity (SRDUID), of the particular UE. The method further includes sending, to the NF consumer, a response comprising either: (a) a SRAUID mapped to the SUPI of the particular UE and/or a SRDUID mapped to the SUPI of the particular UE, if the service request comprises SUPI of the particular UE, or (b) the SUPI mapped to the SRAUID and/or SRDUID of the particular UE, if the service request includes the SRAUID and/or SRDUID of the particular UE and/or the SRDUID of the particular UE.