UE Device ID Generation Using Memory Fingerprints for SIM-Free Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incorporation of SIM technology into low-computing sophistication user equipment (UE) devices, such as IoT devices, increases complexity and cost, while existing SIM-based authentication methods require significant computing resources and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing digital instrumentation to capture measurement fingerprints from UE device memory states, combined with pre-provisioned elements, to generate a unique device ID for authentication, eliminating the need for SIM technology and reducing computational overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SIM technology is incorporated into low-computing sophistication UE devices, then authentication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a software-based copy of SIM card functionality through virtual SIM cards and authentication modules that replicate the identity verification capabilities of physical SIM cards without requiring the actual hardware card. This allows low-computing devices to achieve SIM-level authentication reliability through software implementations that are lighter than full SIM card systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical SIM card system with a software-based authentication system that uses digital certificates, cryptographic keys, and virtual identification modules. This substitution eliminates the need for physical card readers and SIM card hardware while maintaining authentication security through software-based cryptographic verification.
2Reliability
If SIM-based authentication methods are used, then authentication security is improved, but computing resources and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial authentication by using lightweight cryptographic protocols that perform only the essential security verification steps needed for network access. Instead of full SIM card authentication sequences, the system uses simplified challenge-response mechanisms and selective verification of authentication credentials, reducing computing resource consumption while maintaining adequate security for IoT devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cryptographic parameters and authentication protocol complexity to match the computing capabilities of low-power devices. This includes using lighter hash functions, reduced-key-length cryptography, and simplified authentication state machines that consume fewer CPU cycles and memory resources while still providing security adequate for machine-to-machine authentication scenarios.
3Reliability
If SIM technology is used for device identification, then authentication trustworthiness is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable or easily replaceable software authentication credentials such as temporary tokens, short-lived cryptographic sessions, and revocable digital certificates instead of permanent SIM cards. These software-based credentials can be generated, distributed, and revoked through software updates without requiring physical card replacement, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling flexible credential management for IoT devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal authentication framework that can work across multiple device types and network scenarios without requiring device-specific SIM card hardware. The software-based authentication system provides multi-functional capability to handle various authentication modes (device authentication, user authentication, service authentication) through a single implementation platform, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for dynamic identification generation for telecommunications network user equipment (UE) are provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure, generate a device identifier (ID) for UE that access services provided by a network. In some of the embodiments described herein, instrumentation instances are executed which may take measurements of UE memory states for use as measurement fingerprints. Measurement fingerprints may be combined with pre-provisioned elements to generate a device ID. A UE may generate measurement fingerprints based on measurements of device memory states corresponding to a predefined set of one or more tasks executed by the UE; generate a registration ID for the UE based on pre-provisioned elements associated with the UE; generate the device ID as a function of the set of measurement fingerprints and the registration ID; and transmit a message comprising the device ID to a network function of a network.