Virtual Home Network for IMS End-to-End Security Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IMS architectures rely on service providers to act as intermediaries for end-to-end security between subscriber modules, which is not desirable for subscribers who want control over their security relationships, especially when third-party service providers are involved.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows subscribers to establish direct security associations between their modules using a third-party service provider, with decentralized CSCF functions and a virtual home network, enabling end-to-end control over security relationships without relying on the service provider's IMS network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service provider's IMS system acts as intermediary for security, then security relationship is established between subscriber modules and IMS system, but subscriber cannot establish direct end-to-end security control between their devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IMS network architecture into multiple domains: the service provider's IMS domain and the subscriber's home network domain. Each domain has its own CSCF functions (P-CSCF, I-CSCF, S-CSCF), allowing security management to be divided between the service provider's infrastructure and the subscriber's controlled environment. This segmentation enables end-to-end security while maintaining compatibility with existing IMS networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual home network arrangement that acts as an intermediary between the subscriber module and the service provider's IMS system. The virtual home network includes CSCF functions that mediate security relationships, allowing the subscriber to establish direct security associations between devices while still operating within the broader IMS framework. This intermediary layer enables subscriber-controlled security without requiring complete replacement of the service provider's infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If subscriber uses third-party service provider's IMS network, then IMS services are accessible, but subscriber loses control over end-to-end security relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the IMS architecture by implementing a virtual home network layer above the service provider's IMS infrastructure. This dimensional addition allows subscribers to maintain control over security relationships in their own domain while still accessing services through the service provider's network. The virtual home network operates as a separate layer that doesn't interfere with service accessibility but provides enhanced security control.
3Ease of operation
If decentralized CSCF functions are implemented, then subscriber controls security relationships, but network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities within the virtual home network, allowing subscribers to autonomously manage their own security relationships and cryptographic credentials. The S-CSCF and other CSCF functions in the subscriber's home network automatically handle security associations, authentication, and key management without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration by the subscriber. This self-service approach simplifies security management for users while distributing the technical complexity to the network infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for managing end-to-end security over an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)-enabled network are provided. A first subscriber module accesses an IMS network via an access gateway as a roaming network. The roaming network routes a request for a session from the first subscriber module from its P-CSCF to the I-CSCF of a third-party home network. The third party home network, in turn, routes the request to an S-CSCF implemented at the subscriber's home network, which comprises a second subscriber module. In this way, the session between the two subscriber modules is managed by the subscriber's S-CSCF rather than by a carrier's IMS network, and the subscriber may administer the security relationship without reliance on the carrier or the third party.