Self-Configuring Base Station Security via X2 Interface Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LTE wireless communication systems lack self-configuration and security features, particularly in network deployment and runtime service optimization, leading to inefficiencies and vulnerabilities in base station interactions and security.
Innovation Solution
A self-configuring base station method that performs initial interactions with neighboring base stations to gather information, authenticate, and establish security keys, using Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) and light-weight authentication protocols to ensure network security and integrity, enabling secure and efficient operation in multi-vendor/multi-operator environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If base stations use traditional configuration methods with centralized control, then network security and control are maintained, but deployment complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs self-configuration by autonomously interacting with neighboring base stations to obtain configuration information, security parameters, and operational settings without requiring manual configuration or centralized controller intervention. This reduces deployment complexity while maintaining security through cryptographic authentication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Security parameters and configuration data are pre-configured in the base station's secure memory before deployment. When the base station powers up, it uses these pre-stored parameters to authenticate with neighboring base stations and establish secure connections, enabling rapid deployment without complex post-installation configuration.
2Productivity
If base stations perform comprehensive self-configuration interactions, then deployment efficiency and spectral efficiency improve, but network vulnerability to attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station implements preliminary security measures by storing authentication parameters and security policies in secure memory before any network interactions. This pre-established security framework prevents unauthorized access and malicious attacks during the self-configuration process, allowing comprehensive network interactions without increasing vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces secure memory as an intermediary layer between the base station's configuration processes and external network interactions. This secure memory stores cryptographic parameters and authentication data, mediating all security-sensitive operations to prevent direct exposure to potential attacks while enabling efficient self-configuration.
3Reliability
If base stations use secure authentication protocols, then network security is enhanced, but configuration time and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication parameters, security keys, and cryptographic credentials are pre-configured in the base station's secure memory during manufacturing or initial setup. When the base station needs to authenticate with neighboring base stations, it uses these pre-prepared credentials immediately without requiring time-consuming key generation or certification processes, thus maintaining security while reducing configuration time.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is method and an evolved NodeB (eNB) for use in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network including establishing an X2 interface between the eNB and another eNB and communicating information between the eNB and the another eNB via the X2 interface.