5G Authentication Adapter for Legacy USIM Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy 4G USIM-equipped user equipment faces challenges in accessing 5G networks due to differences in authentication protocols and the need for updating existing USIMs, which is costly and impractical for large deployments.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves configuring user equipment with a legacy LTE USIM to select and authenticate with a 5G network by updating network selection files and utilizing over-the-air mechanisms to match 5G parameters, and implementing a 5G authentication protocol that maps LTE key hierarchies to 5G key structures, enabling seamless authentication using existing USIMs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user equipment with legacy 4G USIM attempts to access 5G network, then network access capability is improved, but authentication compatibility deteriorates due to protocol differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication adapter component that acts as an intermediary between the legacy 4G USIM and the 5G authentication system. This adapter translates 5G authentication protocols into 4G-compatible formats, enabling seamless authentication without requiring USIM updates. The adapter mediates the protocol mismatch by converting authentication vectors and key derivation processes to be compatible with legacy USIM structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies authentication parameters by implementing a key derivation function that adapts 5G authentication parameters to 4G USIM constraints. The system changes the cryptographic parameters dynamically during authentication, using 5G-style challenge-response mechanisms while deriving keys in a manner compatible with legacy USIM storage and processing capabilities.
2Reliability
If legacy USIMs are updated to support 5G authentication, then authentication security is improved, but deployment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the authentication adapter with 5G protocol knowledge and key derivation algorithms during device manufacturing. This allows the device to natively support both 4G and 5G authentication modes without requiring subsequent USIM updates. The adapter is pre-loaded with the necessary cryptographic routines to handle 5G authentication vectors and perform key derivation compatible with legacy USIMs.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication adapter is designed with multi-functionality to handle both legacy 4G authentication and modern 5G authentication protocols. This universal component can switch between authentication modes based on network requirements, eliminating the need for separate USIM cards for different generations. The adapter provides backward compatibility while enabling forward-looking security features.
3Adaptability or versatility
If 5G authentication protocol is implemented with legacy USIM, then backward compatibility is improved, but key hierarchy mapping complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key hierarchy into distinct functional layers: a 5G-compliant key derivation layer handled by the authentication adapter, and a legacy USIM storage layer that maintains its original structure. The adapter divides the complex key mapping task into manageable segments, deriving intermediate keys that bridge the 5G authentication vectors and 4G USIM key storage formats, thereby simplifying the overall mapping complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication adapter implements a nested key hierarchy where 5G authentication keys are derived within the adapter's cryptographic context, then nested into the legacy USIM key structure. The adapter creates a nested derivation path where 5G-style master keys are transformed into 4G-compatible format, allowing the legacy USIM to store and process keys in its native structure while maintaining 5G security properties.
Data Source
AI summary
In given user equipment seeking access to a first communication network (e.g., 5G network), wherein the given user equipment comprises a subscriber identity module (e.g., USIM) configured for a second communication network, and wherein the second communication network is a legacy network with respect to the first communication network (e.g., legacy 4G network), a method includes: initiating an authentication procedure with at least one network entity of the first communication network and selecting an authentication method to be used during the authentication procedure; and participating in the authentication procedure with the at least one network entity using the selected authentication method and, upon successful authentication, the given user equipment obtaining a set of keys to enable the given user equipment to access the first communication network.