US20260143411
2026-05-21
Electricity
H04W48/02
The patent application outlines a system and method designed to deactivate stolen user equipment (UE) and manage its network session. This involves a network device receiving notifications from an equipment identity register about the status of a UE being lost or stolen. The network device then communicates with a unified data management component to update the subscription status of the UE, effectively altering its configuration to limit or cease its network capabilities.
With the rising incidents of mobile device theft, there is an increased risk of unauthorized access to sensitive user data and financial information stored on these devices. Current methods of handling such incidents are inefficient, often leading to delays in protecting user data and enabling thieves to exploit stolen devices. The proposed system aims to address these challenges by providing a more responsive and resource-efficient solution to deactivate stolen devices and limit their network access.
The system utilizes various network components such as the equipment identity register, unified data management, and core network functions to manage the status of a stolen UE. Upon receiving a notification of a compromised device, the system can dynamically update the UE's subscription and network access capabilities. This includes actions like curtailing available services and updating subscription information to reflect the device's compromised status. The system thus conserves valuable computing and networking resources while enhancing data protection.
The implementation involves several network elements like the radio access network (RAN), core network, and data network. The core network comprises various functions such as access and mobility management, session management, and unified data management, which interact to manage the status and subscription of a UE. The system also allows third-party application providers to be informed of a device's stolen status, enabling them to take preventive measures against unauthorized application access.
The operational flow includes receiving a lost or stolen notification through various interfaces connecting network functions. The equipment identity register stores the device status and communicates with the access and mobility management function to process subscription requests. This setup allows for real-time updates to the UE's network status and capabilities, ensuring a swift response to theft incidents and minimizing potential data breaches.