Distributed User Service Node Architecture for Personalized 5G Core Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G network architecture has excessively large and varied core network elements, leading to high costs, increased vulnerability to attacks, and challenges in providing personalized and secure services due to excessive signaling interactions and centralized data storage.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising a network service node (NSN) and user service node (USN) with defined standard interfaces and protocols, where the NSN communicates with the USN through an external interface and the USN's function entities communicate internally, reducing complexity and enabling personalized services through distributed data storage and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If core network elements are made large and varied to provide comprehensive services, then service functionality is improved, but device complexity and vulnerability to attacks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the core network into two distinct types of network elements: Access Network Elements (ANE) for access control and authentication, and Service Network Elements (SNE) for providing specific services. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual network elements while maintaining comprehensive service functionality through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized interface mechanism as an intermediary between ANE and SNE. This interface acts as a mediator that enables communication and coordination between different network elements without requiring them to be complex themselves, thus reducing overall system complexity while preserving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple standardized interfaces and protocols are defined for network elements, then adaptability and service capability are improved, but device complexity and signaling interaction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines a universal standardized interface that can be applied across different ANE and SNE types. This single interface design serves multiple functions for various service scenarios, eliminating the need for multiple specialized interfaces and protocols, thus reducing interface complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If data is stored centrally in core network elements, then service management is simplified, but security risk and vulnerability to attacks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data storage and management functions between ANE and SNE, with each element storing only the data necessary for its specific function. This distributed data architecture reduces the security risk associated with centralized data storage while maintaining efficient service management through localized data access.
4Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive services are provided through a single network element, then service integration is improved, but vulnerability to attacks and security risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides service provision functions across multiple specialized network elements (ANE for access, SNE for services) rather than consolidating them in a single element. This segmentation creates a distributed system where an attack on one element does not compromise the entire system, thus reducing vulnerability while maintaining service integration through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interface acts as an intermediary layer that enables integrated service delivery across distributed network elements without requiring them to be consolidated. This intermediary mechanism maintains service integration while preserving the security benefits of distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a communication system and a communication method. The communication system may include a network service node (NSN) and a user service node (USN). The NSN communicates with the USN through an external interface. The NSN includes an authentication function entity and/or an access management function entity. The USN is associated with one more terminal devices. The USN includes the following function entities: a data forwarding function entity, a session management function entity, and a user data storage function entity. The function entities included in the USN communicate with each other through an internal interface. Based on the function entities included in the USN, the USN may provide a basic network service for the associated one or more terminal devices.