A method of using ephemeral identifiers (IDs) in a network implemented a network element (NE) comprises obtaining ephemeral ID for at least one user equipment (UE) accessible by the NE, wherein the ephemeral ID is a temporary and recyclable ID associated with the UE, transmitting a request to map the ephemeral ID of the UE to a locator of the NE to a mapping server, and establishing a communication session between the UE and a network site using the ephemeral ID.