USIM Authentication in IP Multimedia Domain via HSS-HLR Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for authenticating terminal subscriber identity modules in the IP Multimedia domain require either replacing conventional Home Location Registers (HLRs) or integrating ISIMs into USIMs, leading to operational complexities and frequent resynchronization issues, making it difficult for USIM subscribers to access IM services without card changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) to request and allocate Sequence Numbers (SQNs) from the Home Location Register (HLR)/Authentication Centre (AUC) for generating Authentication Vectors (AVs), enabling authentication of USIM subscribers in the IM domain without replacing the USIM card, and managing SQNs for different domains to minimize resynchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional HLRs are replaced or ISIMs are integrated into USIMs to enable IM domain authentication, then authentication capability in IM domain is improved, but operational complexity increases and resynchronization issues occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SQN management by creating separate SQN counters for different domains (CS domain SQN counter and PS domain SQN counter). This allows independent management of sequence numbers for circuit-switched and packet-switched domains, preventing resynchronization conflicts while maintaining authentication capability across both domains without requiring system-wide changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional HLRs are replaced or ISIMs are integrated into USIMs to enable IM domain authentication, then authentication capability in IM domain is improved, but operational complexity increases and resynchronization issues occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SQN management by creating separate SQN counters for different domains (CS domain SQN counter and PS domain SQN counter). This allows independent management of sequence numbers for circuit-switched and packet-switched domains, preventing resynchronization conflicts while maintaining authentication capability across both domains without requiring system-wide changes.
3Reliability
If multiple SQNs are allocated for different domains, then resynchronization issues are minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SQN management by creating separate SQN counters for different domains (CS domain SQN counter and PS domain SQN counter). This allows independent management of sequence numbers for circuit-switched and packet-switched domains, preventing resynchronization conflicts while maintaining authentication capability across both domains without requiring system-wide changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic SQN allocation where the home device can allocate different SQN ranges to different domains based on operational needs. The HSS can request and allocate SQNs from the HLR/AUC dynamically, allowing the system to adapt SQN management to actual domain usage patterns while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for authenticating a terminal subscriber identity module in an IM domain includes: sending an AV request to an HSS by the S-CSCF; sending a request message for acquiring the AV to a home device of the UE upon receiving the AV request by the HSS; allocating an SQN for the UE upon receiving the request message, generating an AV based on the SQN, and sending the AV to the HSS by the HLR; sending the AV to the S-CSCF by the HSS; and authenticating the terminal subscriber identity module of the UE according to the AV by the S-CSCF. A system for authenticating a terminal subscriber identity module in an IM domain includes: UE, an S-CSCF, a home device of the UE and an HSS. The invention enables a USIM subscriber to use IM services without changing the USIM card.