UE Relationship ID Management for Group Service Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telecommunications networks struggle to recognize and manage ad-hoc systems formed by multiple user equipment (UE) operating together as a distinct entity, limiting their ability to provide services tailored to the relationship entity's tasks and efficiently utilize network resources.
Innovation Solution
A relationship entity management system that assigns a unique relationship ID to groups of UE operating together, allowing the operator core network to track activities, authorize services, and record events to a blockchain-based ledger, enhancing network resource utilization and service provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the network treats each UE individually with separate subscriptions, then each UE can be managed independently, but the network cannot recognize or provide services tailored to relationship entities formed by multiple UEs operating together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual UE identifiers into a single relationship entity identifier that represents the group. The network function combines the identifiers of constituent UEs (e.g., IMEIs) to form a composite relationship entity identifier, enabling the network to recognize and manage the group as a unified entity while maintaining individual UE identities within the structure.
2Productivity
If the network tracks individual UE activities separately, then account management is simplified, but network resources cannot be efficiently utilized for coordinated tasks performed by relationship entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking system into two distinct layers: individual UE tracking and relationship entity tracking. This segmentation allows the network to maintain separate records for individual UEs while simultaneously creating aggregated relationship entity records that capture coordinated activities, enabling efficient resource allocation for group tasks without losing individual accountability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested tracking structure where individual UE activities are nested within relationship entity contexts. The relationship entity identifier contains or references the identifiers of constituent UEs, creating a hierarchical nesting that allows the network to track both individual and group-level activities within a unified framework.
3Reliability
If no relationship entity identifier is assigned, then the system remains simple, but the network cannot authorize services or track activities for groups of UEs operating together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining the structure and format of relationship entity identifiers before they are actually needed for service authorization. The network function establishes the identifier generation rules and data structures in advance, so when relationship entities form, the system can immediately recognize and authorize them without ad-hoc complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Relationship entity management systems and methods for telecommunications network user equipment are disclosed. In some embodiments, two or more UEs may form relationship entity in which they operate together to provide a service using a telecommunications network. A UE acting on behalf of the relationship entity may communicate a registration request message to a network function of the operator core network that includes which the network function may use to assign a relationship ID to the relationship entity. Records of relationship entity actives and/or resources used may be recorded to a relationship history ledger under the relationship ID, such as a block-chain technology ledger for example. In some embodiments, a UE while operating on the operator core network as part of the relationship entity may be authorized to access network services otherwise not available to the UE when they are not part of the relationship entity.