Ciphering Configuration Synchronization in 3G System Relocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The third generation mobile communication system faces increased call-dropping probability due to unsynchronized ciphering configurations between user devices and wireless networks during system relocation, leading to data encrypting/decrypting errors and transmission failures.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where user devices and wireless networks are synchronized to use a new ciphering configuration during system relocation by suspending transmission, changing to the new configuration, and then resuming, ensuring both parties communicate with the same configuration, thereby reducing transmission failures and call-dropping probabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UE and UTRAN use different ciphering configurations during system relocation, then the system can proceed with relocation procedures, but data encrypting/decrypting errors occur and transmission reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration synchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE suspend transmission before changing ciphering configuration, and by having the UTRAN wait for confirmation before changing its configuration. This ensures both parties are synchronized before data transmission resumes, preventing encrypting/decrypting errors while maintaining relocation functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE sends confirmation messages to the UTRAN after changing ciphering configuration, and the UTRAN provides status information back to the UE. This feedback loop ensures both parties know when the configuration change is complete, maintaining synchronization and transmission reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the UE transmits measurement reports using old ciphering configuration while UTRAN uses new configuration, then measurement reporting can continue, but call-dropping probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall continuityVSAvoidconfiguration transition time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by suspending measurement report transmission before ciphering configuration changes take effect. This prevents the timing conflict where UE would send reports with old configuration while UTRAN expects new configuration, thereby maintaining call continuity without transmission failures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation by allowing the system to temporarily suspend normal transmission operations during configuration transition, then resume with synchronized configurations. This dynamic approach ensures measurement reporting continues without interruption to the overall relocation process while preventing call drops

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the system requires strict synchronization of ciphering configurations, then data encrypting/decrypting accuracy improves, but transmission procedures become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencryption/decryption accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the configuration change procedures of UE and UTRAN into a coordinated sequence. By combining the suspension, change, and resumption steps into a unified synchronization protocol, the system achieves precise encryption/decryption accuracy without requiring separate complex synchronization mechanisms for each device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses confirmation messages and status indicators as intermediaries to coordinate configuration changes between UE and UTRAN. These intermediary signals ensure both parties are synchronized without requiring direct complex interaction, simplifying the overall synchronization procedure while maintaining encryption accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2001259B1Transmission method, user device thereof and communication system thereof
Publication Date: 2013.11.20 HTC CORP
  • EP2001259B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2001259B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2001259B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A communication system, user device thereof, and a synchronization method thereof are provided. The communication system includes a user device and a wireless network. A ciphering configuration information is transmitted to a user device. The user device and wireless network re-establishing the radio link control (RLC) entity of logical link. The user device changes to the new ciphering configuration immediately following the re-establishment of RLC entity according to the received ciphering configuration information and the wireless network changes to the new ciphering configuration.