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NR-UE Identity Type

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In 5G New Radio (NR), the NR-UE Identity Type refers to the type of identity or identifier used to uniquely identify a User Equipment (UE) or device in the network. Identifiers are essential for network management, routing, and authentication purposes. NR supports various types of UE identities, each serving a specific role in the communication process. Here's a technical explanation of the NR-UE Identity Types:

SUCI (Serving Network Identity and SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier):

SUCI (Serving Network Identity and SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier): The SUCI and SUPI are used for initial access and registration procedures when a UE first connects to the network.

  • SUCI: The SUCI (Serving Network Identity and SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier) Combined Identity) is used during initial registration attempts when the UE doesn't have a prior SUPI. It combines the serving network identity (e.g., PLMN ID) and the temporary UE identity.
  • SUPI: The SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier) is a long-term, subscription-specific identifier assigned to a UE. It allows the network to associate the UE with a specific subscription, ensuring that the correct billing and service profiles are applied.

GUTI (Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity):

GUTI (Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity): The GUTI is used to provide anonymity to the UE when communicating with the network. It's a temporary identity that changes every time the UE attaches to a new serving cell or location area.

  • The GUTI consists of a temporary tracking area identity (TAI) and a random UE identity. This helps protect the UE's privacy by not disclosing its SUPI during mobility events.

IMS Identity:

  • IMS Identity: This identity type is used for UE registration in IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks. IMS identities allow UEs to access multimedia services and applications in IMS networks.

5G-GUTI (5G Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity):

5G-GUTI (5G Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity): The 5G-GUTI is similar to the GUTI but is used in 5G NR networks. It consists of a random identifier and the PLMN ID.

  • Like the GUTI, the 5G-GUTI helps maintain UE privacy during mobility and initial access procedures.

5G-S-TMSI (5G-S Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity):

  • 5G-S-TMSI (5G-S Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity): The 5G-S-TMSI is used for paging and mobility procedures in 5G NR. It provides a temporary identity for tracking and paging the UE within a specific serving area.

5G-SUPI (5G-S Subscription Permanent Identifier):

  • 5G-SUPI (5G-S Subscription Permanent Identifier): The 5G-SUPI is a 5G-specific identifier that corresponds to the SUPI. It is used for various procedures, including initial registration and authentication.
  • It allows the network to identify the UE within a 5G context and is often encrypted or protected during transmission for security and privacy reasons.

EUI-64 (Extended Unique Identifier-64):

  • EUI-64 (Extended Unique Identifier-64): The EUI-64 is a hardware-based identifier that may be used in certain scenarios, such as in device-to-device (D2D) communication or IoT (Internet of Things) applications.
  • The EUI-64 is based on the device's hardware address and is often used when a fixed and globally unique identity is needed.

Other Identifier Types:

  • Depending on the specific use case and network configuration, additional identifier types may be introduced or used in 5G NR networks.

In summary, the NR-UE Identity Type in 5G NR encompasses various types of identifiers used to uniquely identify user equipment or devices in the network. These identifiers serve different purposes, including initial access, mobility management, privacy protection, and network authentication. The choice of identity type depends on the specific network procedures and requirements of the communication scenario.