Ciphering Activation Time Handling in Wireless Security Mode Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face airlink congestion and processing time issues due to the unnecessary processing and transmission of radio bearer downlink and uplink ciphering activation time information, especially during non-security mode command messages and radio network subsystem relocations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves only including and processing valid radio bearer downlink and uplink ciphering activation time information within ciphering mode messages that are part of security mode command messages, while omitting these from messages that are not, thereby reducing unnecessary data transmission and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio bearer downlink and uplink ciphering activation time information is included in all ciphering mode messages, then comprehensive ciphering control is achieved, but airlink congestion increases and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ciphering activation time information from the general ciphering mode message structure and creates a dedicated, optional information element for it. This information element is only included when actually needed (in Security Mode Command messages), rather than being present in all ciphering mode messages. This extraction approach reduces unnecessary data transmission while maintaining the capability to provide comprehensive ciphering control when required.
2Reliability
If radio bearer downlink and uplink ciphering activation time information is processed for all message types, then all ciphering scenarios are covered, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic processing behavior where the mobile station and network entity conditionally process ciphering activation time information based on the message type. The processing is dynamic rather than static - the information element is only parsed, validated, and acted upon when the message is specifically a Security Mode Command message. For other ciphering mode messages, the information element is simply omitted, reducing processing overhead while maintaining coverage for all actual ciphering scenarios.
3Loss of information
If ciphering activation time information is transmitted in every ciphering mode message, then no information is lost, but airlink congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the ciphering activation time information element optional and context-specific rather than universal. The information is locally adapted to the specific message type - it is included in Security Mode Command messages where it is needed for establishing ciphering, but omitted from other ciphering mode messages where it is not applicable. This local quality approach ensures no necessary information is lost while minimizing airlink data traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for use in reducing airlink congestion and processing time associated with ciphering information communicated between a wireless communication network and a mobile station are disclosed. From the standpoint of the mobile station, one illustrative method involves the steps of receiving a ciphering mode information message from a wireless network; identifying and processing valid radio bearer downlink ciphering activation time information in the ciphering mode information message when it is part of a security mode command message; and refraining from processing any valid radio bearer downlink ciphering activation time information in the ciphering mode information message when it is part of a message that is different from the security mode command message (i.e. when it is part of a radio network subsystem relocation procedure). The method may include the additional steps of producing valid radio bearer uplink ciphering activation time information for inclusion within a response message when the ciphering mode information message is part of the security mode command message; refraining from producing any valid radio bearer uplink ciphering activation time information when the ciphering mode information message is part of a message that is different from the security mode command message; and causing the response message to be sent to the wireless network.