Key derivation during a mobility procedure

The method of deriving target communication keys based on source keys and mobility parameters addresses the challenge of secure key transitions between different mobile communication technologies, ensuring secure and seamless handovers.

WO2026114707A1 Publication Date: 2026-06-04NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/083496
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-11-26
Filing Date
2025-11-19
Publication Date
2026-06-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The challenge of securely transitioning communication keys during mobility procedures between different generations of mobile communication technologies, such as from 6G to previous generations like 4G, 5G, or vice versa, is not adequately addressed in existing systems, complicating the secure handover process.

Method used

A method and apparatus for deriving target communication keys for a terminal device by obtaining a source key and determining parameters based on mobility type and communication technology during a mobility procedure, ensuring secure key association and seamless mobility.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates secure and efficient key derivation for seamless communication handovers between different mobile communication technologies, maintaining security and continuity of communication sessions.

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Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to key derivation during a mobility procedure. A method comprises obtaining, during a mobility procedure of a terminal device from a source network node to a target network node, a source key of the terminal device for communicating with the source network node; determining at least one parameter based on a mobility type of the mobility procedure; and deriving a target key of the terminal device for communicating with the target network node based on the source key and the at least one parameter, wherein at least one of the source key or the target key comprises a key for a mobility management entity in a 6 generation, 6G, communication system.
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