AS SMC Security Parameter Ambiguity in Initial Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE and NR, the initial access stratum security mode command (AS SMC) procedure often leads to ambiguity in determining the correct security parameter for integrity verification, resulting in failed integrity checks and increased latency due to incorrect security parameter usage.

Innovation Solution

The method involves sending a first service request with a first security parameter to establish a connection, and upon satisfying specific criteria such as completion of the AS SMC procedure or receipt of an AS SMC message, a second service request with a different security parameter is sent, thereby avoiding ambiguity and ensuring correct integrity verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a service request is sent with a security parameter before the AS SMC procedure is completed, then the connection establishment process can proceed, but ambiguity arises in determining the correct security parameter for integrity verification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishment speedVSAvoidintegrity verification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by allowing the service request to be sent in advance with a first security parameter before the AS SMC procedure completes. The UE prepares and transmits the service request with an initial security parameter, then updates it with a second security parameter after receiving the AS SMC message, ensuring both early transmission and correct verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the security parameter in the service request dynamic rather than static. The security parameter is updated from a first value to a second value based on the AS SMC procedure outcome, allowing the system to adapt between speed and accuracy requirements at different stages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the UE waits for AS SMC procedure completion before sending service requests, then security parameter ambiguity is avoided, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrity verification accuracyVSAvoidconnection establishment latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by sending the service request with the first security parameter before the AS SMC procedure completes, rather than waiting. This preliminary transmission reduces latency while the subsequent update ensures verification accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the security parameter from a first value to a second value based on the AS SMC procedure result. This parameter change allows the system to maintain both early service request transmission and correct integrity verification by adapting the security parameter to the procedural state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple service requests with different security parameters are sent simultaneously, then service establishment can proceed in parallel, but security parameter confusion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice request processing efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity parameter management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service request process into distinct phases with different security parameters. The first service request uses a first security parameter, and subsequent requests use a second security parameter after AS SMC completion. This segmentation allows parallel processing while maintaining clear parameter distinction through temporal separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12081982B2Optimization for an initial access stratum security mode command procedure

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Techniques and apparatus for optimizing an initial access stratum security mode command procedure are described. One example technique includes sending a first service request to establish a connection with a network. A second service request is sent to the network, upon determining that one or more criteria is satisfied. Another example technique includes sending a first service request to establish a connection with a network and sending a second service request after sending the first service request. The first service request is associated with a first security parameter and the second service request is associated with a second security parameter. A security mode command procedure is participated in with a base station, based on the first security parameter and the second security parameter.