Mission Critical Video User

Description

An MCVideo user is a person or entity that has been authorized to use Mission Critical Video services. This authorization is granted by the mission-critical organization to which the user belongs, such as a police department, fire brigade, or utility company. The MCVideo user is associated with one or more MCVideo UEs, which are the devices used to access the service. The user's identity is managed through credentials stored in the UE and on the network, enabling authentication and authorization for MCVideo sessions. The MCVideo user may have different roles and privileges, such as dispatcher, supervisor, or regular user, which determine the actions they can perform, such as initiating group calls, pre-empting other sessions, or managing groups.

The MCVideo user interacts with the MCVideo service through the MCVideo UE. When the user initiates a session, the UE sends a request to the MCVideo server, which authenticates the user and checks their authorization. The server then establishes the session according to the user's profile and the requested service. For group calls, the user may be a member of one or more groups, and the server ensures that video is distributed to all group members. The user can also participate in one-to-one calls, video streaming, and video sharing. The MCVideo user's experience is enhanced by features such as floor control, which manages the right to speak (or transmit video) in a group, and priority handling, which ensures that the user's session receives preferential treatment during network congestion.

From a management perspective, the MCVideo user is provisioned in the MCVideo system with specific attributes, including user ID, group memberships, service permissions, and security credentials. These attributes are stored in the Group Management Server (GMS) and Configuration Management Server (CMS). The user's profile may also include location information, emergency contacts, and other metadata. The MCVideo user can be associated with multiple UEs, and the system supports dynamic changes, such as when a user logs in from a different device. The user's authorization can be revoked or modified by the administrator, and the system enforces these changes in real time.

The MCVideo user is a key concept in the MCVideo architecture because it separates the human user from the device, allowing for flexible and secure access to services. This separation enables features such as user authentication independent of the device, and it supports scenarios where a user may use different devices or share a device with others. The MCVideo user is also central to security and priority mechanisms: the network identifies the user and applies the appropriate policies based on their profile. In off-network mode, the user's credentials are still used to authenticate with other UEs, ensuring that only authorized users can participate in direct communications.

The MCVideo user is defined in 3GPP specifications 23.281, 26.281, and 26.880, which outline the functional architecture, media handling, and codecs. The concept has evolved through 3GPP releases, with enhancements in areas such as 5G integration, improved security, and support for new user roles. As mission-critical communications become more video-centric, the MCVideo user remains the focal point for service delivery, ensuring that authorized personnel have reliable, secure, and prioritized access to video communication.

Purpose & Motivation

The MCVideo user concept exists to provide a clear identity and authorization framework for individuals using Mission Critical Video services. It ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive video communications, and it enables the network to apply appropriate policies based on the user's role and permissions. By separating the user from the device, the MCVideo user model supports flexible access, allowing users to log in from different devices while maintaining security. This is essential for mission-critical operations, where personnel may need to use shared devices or switch devices during an incident. The MCVideo user also facilitates management and provisioning, as administrators can define user profiles, group memberships, and permissions centrally. The concept addresses the limitations of device-centric approaches, which lack the granularity and flexibility required for mission-critical communications.