3gpp-mcp-server/docs/use-cases.md

MCP Server for querying 3GPP telecom protocol specifications

# Use Cases & Examples

## Overview

This document provides comprehensive use cases and practical examples for the 3GPP MCP Server, demonstrating how different users can leverage the system to solve real-world telecommunications engineering challenges.

## User Personas & Scenarios

### 1. Junior Telecom Engineer

**Profile**: New to the industry, learning 3GPP specifications
**Challenges**: Understanding complex protocols, finding relevant information quickly
**Goals**: Learn efficiently, implement correctly, build domain expertise

#### Use Case 1.1: Learning NAS Protocol Basics

**Scenario**: Sarah is tasked with implementing NAS authentication in a 5G modem but doesn't understand the procedure flow.

**Traditional Approach**:
1. Google "NAS authentication 5G"
2. Find TS 24.501 specification (500+ pages)
3. Spend hours searching for relevant sections
4. Struggle to understand complex message flows
5. Ask senior engineer for help

**With 3GPP MCP Server**:
```
Query: "Explain 5G NAS authentication procedure step by step"

Response:
# 5G NAS Authentication Procedure

## Overview
The 5G NAS authentication procedure establishes mutual authentication between
the UE and the network using the 5G AKA protocol.

## Step-by-Step Process
1. **Authentication Request**: Network initiates with Authentication Request message
2. **Authentication Response**: UE processes AUTN and responds with RES*
3. **Security Mode Command**: Network activates security context
4. **Security Mode Complete**: UE confirms security activation

## Key Messages
- Authentication Request (5GC → UE)
- Authentication Response (UE → 5GC)
- Authentication Failure (UE → 5GC, if needed)

## Related Specifications
- TS 24.501: 5G NAS protocol
- TS 33.501: 5G security architecture
- TS 29.518: 5G authentication server services

## Next Steps to Learn
- Study SUCI/SUPI concepts
- Understand 5G-AKA vs EAP-AKA'
- Learn about security context management
```

#### Use Case 1.2: Finding Related Specifications

**Scenario**: While working on RRC implementation, Sarah needs to understand the relationship with lower layer protocols.

```
Query: "Find specifications related to RRC protocol in 5G"

Response:
# Specifications Related to 5G RRC Protocol

## Primary Specifications
- **TS 38.331**: NR RRC Protocol specification (MAIN)
- **TS 38.300**: NR overall description (Architecture)

## Dependent Protocols
- **TS 38.321**: NR MAC protocol (Layer 2)
- **TS 38.322**: NR RLC protocol (Layer 2)
- **TS 38.323**: NR PDCP protocol (Layer 2)

## Related Procedures
- **TS 38.413**: NG-AP (Core network interface)
- **TS 38.423**: XN-AP (Inter-gNB interface)

## Test Specifications
- **TS 38.508**: Common test environments
- **TS 38.523**: RRC conformance testing
```

### 2. Senior Network Engineer

**Profile**: Experienced engineer working on network optimization
**Challenges**: Comparing protocol versions, understanding evolution, making migration decisions
**Goals**: Optimize performance, plan migrations, ensure compatibility

#### Use Case 2.1: Release Evolution Analysis

**Scenario**: Mark needs to understand what changed in RRC between Release 15 and Release 16 for a 5G upgrade project.

```
Query: "Compare RRC protocol changes between Release 15 and Release 16"

Response:
# RRC Protocol Evolution: Rel-15 to Rel-16

## Major Enhancements in Rel-16

### New Features
1. **Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB)**
   - New RRC procedures for IAB node configuration
   - Enhanced mobility procedures for IAB scenarios

2. **Enhanced URLLC**
   - Configured grant enhancements
   - Mini-slot based scheduling improvements

3. **Positioning Enhancements**
   - New measurement procedures for positioning
   - Enhanced reporting mechanisms

### Modified Procedures
- **Handover Enhancements**: Improved inter-frequency handover
- **Power Saving**: Enhanced UE power saving mechanisms
- **Carrier Aggregation**: Extended CA combinations support

### Backward Compatibility
- Rel-15 UEs can connect to Rel-16 networks
- Optional feature negotiation ensures compatibility

## Migration Considerations
- Network software upgrade required
- UE firmware updates for new features
- Gradual rollout recommended

## Key Specifications Updated
- TS 38.331 v16.x.x: Main RRC specification
- TS 38.300 v16.x.x: Architecture updates
```

#### Use Case 2.2: Cross-Protocol Dependencies

**Scenario**: Mark is troubleshooting a handover issue and needs to understand the interaction between different protocol layers.

```
Query: "Show me protocol interactions during 5G handover procedure"

Response:
# 5G Handover Protocol Interactions

## Layer Coordination During Handover

### Application Layer (NAS)
- **Mobility Registration**: UE context transfer
- **PDU Session Continuity**: Session maintenance across cells

### RRC Layer (Layer 3)
- **RRCReconfiguration**: Target cell configuration
- **RRCReconfigurationComplete**: Handover confirmation
- **Measurement Reports**: Trigger handover decision

### PDCP Layer (Layer 2)
- **Data Forwarding**: Packets forwarded from source to target
- **Sequence Number Continuity**: Prevents packet loss
- **Security Key Update**: Security context transfer

### RLC/MAC Layer (Layer 2)
- **Buffer Status**: Data pending transmission
- **Resource Allocation**: New cell resource setup
- **Random Access**: Initial access to target cell

## Key Message Flows
1. Source gNB → Target gNB: Handover Request
2. Target gNB → Source gNB: Handover Request Ack
3. Source gNB → UE: RRCReconfiguration
4. UE → Target gNB: RRCReconfigurationComplete

## Related Specifications
- TS 38.331: RRC procedures
- TS 38.323: PDCP data forwarding
- TS 38.413: NG-AP handover signaling
```

### 3. System Architect

**Profile**: Designing new telecom systems or features
**Challenges**: Understanding system-wide implications, ensuring compliance, architectural decisions
**Goals**: Design optimal systems, ensure interoperability, manage complexity

#### Use Case 3.1: Architecture Design Validation

**Scenario**: Lisa is designing a private 5G network and needs to understand the minimum set of required specifications.

```
Query: "What are the essential 3GPP specifications for private 5G network deployment?"

Response:
# Essential 3GPP Specifications for Private 5G Networks

## Core Network Architecture
- **TS 23.501**: System architecture for 5G (REQUIRED)
- **TS 23.502**: Procedures for 5G System (REQUIRED)
- **TS 29.500**: Technical realization framework (REQUIRED)

## Radio Access Network
- **TS 38.300**: NR overall description (REQUIRED)
- **TS 38.331**: NR RRC protocol (REQUIRED)
- **TS 38.211-214**: Physical layer specifications (REQUIRED)

## Security & Authentication
- **TS 33.501**: Security architecture (REQUIRED)
- **TS 24.501**: 5G NAS protocol (REQUIRED)
- **TS 29.571**: Common data model (REQUIRED)

## Network Functions (Minimum Set)
- **TS 29.502**: AMF services (Access and Mobility)
- **TS 29.503**: UDM services (User Data Management)
- **TS 29.518**: AUSF services (Authentication)
- **TS 29.504**: UDR services (User Data Repository)

## Optional but Recommended
- **TS 28.530**: Management concepts (Network Management)
- **TS 29.510**: NSSF services (Network Slicing)

## Deployment Considerations
- Minimum viable network: AMF + SMF + UPF + UDM/UDR + AUSF
- Private network may use simplified authentication
- Local breakout considerations for edge computing
```

#### Use Case 3.2: Feature Feasibility Analysis

**Scenario**: Lisa needs to understand if a specific feature combination is possible within 3GPP standards.

```
Query: "Can network slicing be combined with edge computing in 5G?"

Response:
# Network Slicing + Edge Computing in 5G

## Standards Compatibility
✅ **FULLY SUPPORTED** by 3GPP specifications

## Key Enabling Specifications

### Network Slicing Foundation
- **TS 23.501**: Defines network slicing architecture
- **TS 28.530**: Management and orchestration for slicing
- **TS 29.510**: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)

### Edge Computing Integration
- **TS 23.548**: Edge Application Server (EAS) architecture
- **TS 29.558**: Application Function influence on traffic routing
- **TS 23.502**: Local UPF deployment procedures

### Combined Architecture Benefits
1. **Slice-Specific Edge**: Dedicated edge resources per slice
2. **Service Isolation**: Independent edge applications per slice
3. **Optimized Routing**: Traffic steering to appropriate edge nodes

## Implementation Approach
- Deploy UPF at edge locations
- Configure slice-specific routing policies
- Use Application Function (AF) for traffic steering
- Implement slice-aware edge orchestration

## Use Case Examples
- **Industry 4.0**: Manufacturing slice with dedicated edge AI
- **Autonomous Vehicles**: Ultra-low latency slice with road-side edge
- **Smart Cities**: IoT slice with distributed edge processing

## Related Standards
- ETSI MEC specifications for edge computing details
- 3GPP SA2 working group for architecture evolution
```

### 4. Compliance Engineer

**Profile**: Ensures products meet 3GPP standards and certification requirements
**Challenges**: Tracking mandatory vs optional features, understanding test requirements
**Goals**: Achieve certification, ensure interoperability, minimize compliance risks

#### Use Case 4.1: Mandatory Feature Identification

**Scenario**: David needs to identify mandatory features for 5G UE certification.

```
Query: "What are the mandatory features for 5G UE certification in Release 16?"

Response:
# Mandatory 5G UE Features for Release 16 Certification

## Radio Access Technology
### Mandatory Radio Features
- **FR1 Support**: Sub-6GHz frequency bands (MANDATORY)
- **SA Mode**: 5G Standalone operation (MANDATORY)
- **NSA Mode**: Non-standalone with LTE anchor (MANDATORY)
- **Basic MIMO**: 2x2 MIMO support (MANDATORY)

### Optional Radio Features (Implementation Dependent)
- **mmWave (FR2)**: 24GHz+ bands (OPTIONAL)
- **Carrier Aggregation**: Multi-carrier support (OPTIONAL)
- **Advanced MIMO**: 4x4, 8x8 configurations (OPTIONAL)

## Protocol Stack Requirements
### Layer 1 (PHY) - Mandatory
- **TS 38.211**: Physical channels and modulation
- **TS 38.212**: Multiplexing and channel coding
- **TS 38.213**: Physical procedures
- **TS 38.214**: Physical layer measurements

### Layer 2 (Data Link) - Mandatory
- **TS 38.321**: MAC protocol (MANDATORY)
- **TS 38.322**: RLC protocol (MANDATORY)
- **TS 38.323**: PDCP protocol (MANDATORY)

### Layer 3 (Network) - Mandatory
- **TS 38.331**: RRC protocol (MANDATORY)
- **TS 24.501**: 5G NAS protocol (MANDATORY)

## Core Procedures (All Mandatory)
1. **Initial Access**: Cell search, random access
2. **Registration**: Network attachment and authentication
3. **PDU Session**: Data connectivity establishment
4. **Mobility**: Handover and cell reselection
5. **Power Management**: Idle and sleep modes

## Certification Test Specifications
- **TS 38.508**: Common test environments
- **TS 38.523-1**: RRC conformance testing
- **TS 38.523-3**: RRC performance testing
- **TS 24.501**: NAS conformance testing

## Compliance Checklist
- [ ] All mandatory procedures implemented
- [ ] Conformance test cases passed
- [ ] Interoperability testing completed
- [ ] Performance requirements met
```

### 5. Field Engineer

**Profile**: Troubleshooting network issues in deployment
**Challenges**: Understanding error conditions, debugging protocol interactions
**Goals**: Quickly resolve issues, understand root causes, prevent recurrence

#### Use Case 5.1: Error Code Analysis

**Scenario**: Ahmed sees authentication failures with cause code 26 and needs to understand the root cause.

```
Query: "What does NAS cause code 26 mean and how to troubleshoot it?"

Response:
# NAS Cause Code 26: "UE identity cannot be derived by the network"

## Root Cause Analysis
**Specification**: TS 24.501 Section 9.11.3.2
**Category**: Authentication/Registration failure

### Common Scenarios
1. **SUCI Decryption Failure**: Network cannot decrypt UE's SUCI to get SUPI
2. **Profile Mismatch**: UE profile not found in UDM/UDR
3. **Key Material Issues**: Home network key problems
4. **Network Configuration**: Incorrect PLMN or slice configuration

## Troubleshooting Steps

### UE Side Investigation
1. **Check SUCI Generation**: Verify UE correctly encrypts SUPI to SUCI
2. **Certificate Validation**: Ensure valid operator certificates installed
3. **Profile Configuration**: Verify subscription profile correctness

### Network Side Investigation
1. **UDM/UDR Logs**: Check if UE profile exists in user database
2. **AUSF Logs**: Verify authentication vector generation
3. **AMF Logs**: Check SUCI-to-SUPI conversion process
4. **Key Material**: Validate home network public/private keys

### Message Flow Analysis
```
UE → AMF: Registration Request (with SUCI)
AMF → UDM: UE Identity Request (SUCI)
UDM → AMF: UE Identity Response (FAILURE - Code 26)
AMF → UE: Registration Reject (Cause: 26)
```

## Resolution Actions
- **Immediate**: Retry with different identity type if available
- **Short-term**: Verify UE provisioning in HSS/UDR
- **Long-term**: Audit key management and certificate deployment

## Prevention Measures
- Regular key rotation procedures
- Automated profile validation
- Enhanced monitoring of identity resolution failures

## Related Specifications
- TS 24.501: NAS cause codes
- TS 33.501: 5G security procedures
- TS 29.503: UDM services for identity management
```

## Integration Examples

### Claude Desktop Integration

**Example Conversation Flow**:
```
User: I need to implement 5G authentication in my device

Claude: I'll help you understand 5G authentication implementation. Let me search
for the relevant specifications and procedures.

[Uses 3GPP MCP Server tools]

Based on the 3GPP specifications, 5G authentication involves several key procedures:

1. **Primary Authentication (5G-AKA)**:
   - Specified in TS 33.501 and TS 24.501
   - Uses SUCI/SUPI identity protection
   - Mutual authentication between UE and network

2. **Implementation Requirements**:
   - Support for 5G-AKA algorithm
   - SUCI encryption/decryption
   - Security context establishment

Would you like me to:
- Explain the detailed message flows?
- Show you the specific information elements needed?
- Find test vectors for implementation validation?
```

### Custom Application Integration

**REST API Wrapper Example**:
```javascript
// Custom REST API built on top of MCP Server
app.get('/api/3gpp/search', async (req, res) => {
  const { query, series, releases } = req.query;

  const mcpResponse = await mcpClient.callTool('search_3gpp_specs', {
    query,
    series: series?.split(','),
    releases: releases?.split(','),
    limit: 20
  });

  res.json({
    results: mcpResponse.content[0].text,
    timestamp: new Date().toISOString()
  });
});

// Usage in web application
fetch('/api/3gpp/search?query=NAS authentication&series=24&releases=Rel-16')
  .then(response => response.json())
  .then(data => displayResults(data.results));
```

## Advanced Use Cases

### 1. Automated Documentation Generation

**Scenario**: Generate implementation guides from 3GPP specifications

```
Query: "Generate implementation checklist for 5G NAS security procedures"

Response:
# 5G NAS Security Implementation Checklist

## Algorithm Implementation
- [ ] Implement 5G-AKA authentication algorithm
- [ ] Support SNOW, AES, ZUC encryption algorithms
- [ ] Implement integrity protection algorithms
- [ ] Key derivation function implementation

## Message Handling
- [ ] Authentication Request processing
- [ ] Authentication Response generation
- [ ] Security Mode Command handling
- [ ] Security Mode Complete generation

## Error Handling
- [ ] Authentication failure scenarios
- [ ] Synchronization failure handling
- [ ] Security mode reject conditions
- [ ] MAC failure processing

## Testing Requirements
- [ ] Test vectors validation
- [ ] Interoperability testing
- [ ] Security vulnerability testing
- [ ] Performance testing

## Compliance Verification
- [ ] Conformance test execution
- [ ] Security certification requirements
- [ ] Regulatory approval processes
```

### 2. Cross-Generation Migration Planning

**Scenario**: Plan migration from 4G to 5G with compatibility analysis

```
Query: "Compare 4G and 5G authentication procedures for migration planning"

Response:
# 4G to 5G Authentication Migration Analysis

## Key Differences

### Identity Management
| Aspect | 4G (EPS) | 5G (5GS) |
|--------|----------|----------|
| Identity | IMSI (clear text) | SUPI (encrypted as SUCI) |
| Privacy | Limited protection | Enhanced privacy |
| Specification | TS 24.301 | TS 24.501 |

### Authentication Algorithms
| Feature | 4G | 5G |
|---------|----|----|
| Primary | EPS-AKA | 5G-AKA |
| Key Length | 128-bit | 256-bit |
| Crypto Agility | Limited | Enhanced |

## Migration Strategy

### Dual-Stack Approach
1. **Phase 1**: Deploy 5G with 4G fallback
2. **Phase 2**: Enable 5G-only procedures
3. **Phase 3**: Sunset 4G authentication

### Compatibility Requirements
- Support both EPS-AKA and 5G-AKA
- Unified subscription data (HSS/UDM)
- Inter-system handover support

### Risk Mitigation
- Extensive interoperability testing
- Gradual subscriber migration
- Fallback mechanisms for edge cases

## Implementation Timeline
- **Months 1-3**: Core network 5G support
- **Months 4-6**: Radio network deployment
- **Months 7-12**: Subscriber device updates
- **Year 2+**: 4G sunset planning
```

This comprehensive set of use cases demonstrates how the 3GPP MCP Server can serve various roles in the telecommunications ecosystem, from learning and troubleshooting to advanced system design and migration planning.