Ciphering Configuration Forwarding in UMTS User Equipment

The patent implements preliminary action by receiving and storing ciphering configuration parameters (keyset and algorithm) in advance during the RRC connection setup or earlier signaling exchanges. The UE maintains these parameters in ready state in its memory, so that when security protection is needed, the configuration is already in place and can be activated immediately upon receiving the initiation message, thereby increasing security application speed without compromising configuration reliability.

The patent merges the ciphering configuration process with the RRC connection establishment process or earlier signaling procedures. By combining the reception and storage of ciphering parameters with existing protocol exchanges, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated configuration steps, thereby accelerating security application while maintaining proper security configuration through the integrated process.

The patent applies universality by implementing a unified ciphering configuration management structure in the UE that can handle multiple radio bearers through a common framework. The UE stores multiple ciphering configurations (different keysets and algorithms) in a standardized format with consistent data structures, allowing systematic management of security parameters across all bearers. This universal approach enables comprehensive security coverage while reducing management complexity through standardized procedures.

The patent segments the management of multiple ciphering configurations by organizing them in distinct, independently manageable units within the UE memory, each associated with specific radio bearers. This segmentation allows the UE to selectively activate and manage only the relevant ciphering configurations needed for active bearers, reducing the overall complexity of managing multiple security parameters while maintaining comprehensive coverage for all required bearers.