Unauthorized UE Relaying with Delegated Network Credentials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication networks limit connectivity to networks where UEs are owned or closely associated, requiring explicit user actions for network access and losing connectivity when the authorized relay UE is out of range.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for unauthorized User Equipment (UE) to receive an authorization credential from an authorized UE or application server, allowing it to access and relay data over a network, with responsibility and charging assigned to the authorized UE.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an authorized relay UE is used to provide network access to a connecting device, then network connectivity is enabled, but connectivity is lost when the relay UE is out of range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidflexibility of network access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an unauthorized UE as an intermediary relay device that receives authorization credentials from an authorized UE. This intermediary can provide network access to connecting devices even when the originally authorized relay UE is out of range, thereby maintaining connectivity while increasing flexibility of network access arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The unauthorized UE autonomously obtains authorization credentials and configures itself to provide relay services without requiring continuous control from the authorized UE. This self-service capability allows the unauthorized UE to independently maintain network connectivity for connecting devices, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If explicit user actions are required for network access (e.g., activating Wi-Fi hotspot), then security and authorization control are maintained, but ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthorization controlVSAvoidease of network access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The unauthorized UE automatically obtains authorization credentials and configures relay services without requiring explicit user activation actions. This automation maintains authorization control through credential-based security while significantly improving ease of operation by eliminating manual activation steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If an authorized UE acts as a gateway for another UE, then network access is provided, but the gateway UE must bear the charges associated with the first UE

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access provisioningVSAvoidcharging responsibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The unauthorized UE acts as an intermediary that assumes the charging responsibility for data traffic while providing relay services. This separates the gateway function from charging liability, allowing the authorized UE to provide network access without bearing the charges, thus improving ease of operation while resolving the charging issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3420778B1System and method for relaying data over a communication network

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

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AI summary

A system and method for exchanging data with a network including an authorized UE that is authorized to exchange the data with the network, and an unauthorized UE that is not authorized to exchange the data with the network. The unauthorized UE operable to receive an authorization credential, and to exchange the data with the network using the received authorization credential.