WTRU-Hosted UPDN Activation and Authentication in 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems lack efficient mechanisms for user equipment (UE) to activate and manage user-provided data networks (UPDNs), including authentication, authorization, and network management, which are crucial for seamless integration and operation of UPDNs within 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) that can activate, manage, and authenticate UPDNs, utilizing a WTRU-hosted session management function (USMF) and user plane function (UUPF) to control and facilitate UPDN operations, including packet data unit sessions and network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If WTRU hosts session management function and user plane function to enable UPDN operations, then network flexibility and user experience are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network functions by allowing WTRU to host specific session management and user plane functions locally, while other network functions remain distributed in the core network. This segmentation enables enhanced network flexibility and support for UPDN operations without requiring the entire network stack to be centralized or complexified in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of network architecture by enabling WTRU to function as both a terminal device and a network service provider. This dimensional change allows the device to host network functions and provide data networks to other devices, thereby enhancing overall network flexibility and adaptability.
2Reliability
If WTRU activates and manages UPDN with authentication and authorization mechanisms, then network security and proper operation are ensured, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and authorization actions before UPDN activation and operations. The WTRU authenticates and authorizes itself and other devices before establishing data sessions, ensuring network security and proper operation. These preliminary security checks are integrated into the session establishment process to minimize operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The WTRU performs self-authentication and self-authorization for UPDN operations, reducing the need for manual intervention and external authentication servers. This self-service approach maintains network security while simplifying the operational process by automating security checks during session establishment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If WTRU provides network services to other devices, then network functionality and user experience are enhanced, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The WTRU hosts session management and user plane functions partially, only when needed for UPDN operations. Rather than continuously running all network functions, the device activates these functions on-demand based on service requirements, thereby providing enhanced network functionality while managing energy consumption more efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein for a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) activating and/or deactivating user equipment (UE)/WTRU-provided data network (UPDN). The WTRU may advertise availability of UPDN a (e.g., 5G) network. A UPDN software application may be transferred onto and/or installed on a WTRU to implement a UPDN. A WTRU may be authenticated and/or authorized to a host for a given UPDN instance, UPDN installation and/or update may be configured if an authentication fails because a UPDN software application is not up-to-date and/or not installed. A WTRU may provide information to a service provider for installing UPDN and/or update UPDN software. Control connectivity and/or path selection for UPDN may be configured by one or more WTRU route selection policy (URSP) rules. A UPDN profile and/or UPDN subscription profile may be configured in a system (e.g., 5G system (5GS)). UPDN may be provisioned in a (e.g., 5G) network.