Cell Update Security Configuration Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
During cell updates, there is a risk of security configuration mismatch between mobile terminals and networks, leading to loss of signal due to delayed acknowledgments and the inability of legacy terminals to provide security configuration information elements, causing networks to guess the terminal's configuration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a security configuration information element in the cell update message to explicitly indicate whether the mobile terminal has applied an updated or prior security configuration, allowing the network to determine and synchronize with the correct configuration without needing to check the terminal's capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network waits for an acknowledgement from the mobile terminal to confirm security configuration transition, then the security configuration synchronization is improved, but the time delay increases causing potential service loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile terminal includes a security configuration information element in the cell update message to explicitly indicate whether it has applied the updated security configuration or reverted to the prior configuration. This feedback allows the network to immediately determine the terminal's security configuration state without waiting for separate acknowledgement messages, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time delay.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy mobile terminals do not provide security configuration information elements, then backward compatibility is maintained, but the network cannot determine the terminal's security configuration state leading to potential mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the cell update message by adding an optional security configuration information element that indicates the terminal's security configuration state. This parameter change allows legacy terminals to maintain backward compatibility (by omitting the element) while enabling updated terminals to provide explicit security configuration information, thus resolving the contradiction between compatibility and information completeness.
3Device complexity
If the network assumes mobile terminals have applied updated security configuration, then the network implementation is simplified, but security configuration mismatches occur with legacy terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the mobile terminal to self-indicate its security configuration state by including the security configuration information element in the cell update message. This self-service approach allows the terminal to provide the information it needs about its own configuration state, simplifying network implementation while ensuring reliable security configuration matching by eliminating the need for network guesses.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for maintaining synchronization with respect to the security configurations of the network and a mobile terminal, even during a cell update procedure. A method may include causing a cell update message to be provided during performance of a cell update procedure and including, with the cell update message, a security configuration information element indicating that a mobile terminal has applied an updated security configuration in an instance in which the mobile terminal has applied the updated security configuration. The method may also include, with the cell update message, the information element indicating that the mobile terminal has reverted to a prior security configuration in an instance in which the mobile terminal has reverted to a prior security configuration. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are also provided.