Control Frame Protection Using Pair-Wise Keys for Unicast Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-link communications systems, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently and securely conveying communications signaling information, particularly with unicast control frames using group keys, which can lead to safety issues and difficulties in updating scoreboard contexts and replay checking.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of protected control frames using pair-wise keys for unicast communications and group keys for multicast or broadcast communications, with separate packet number spaces and message integrity checks, ensures secure and efficient transmission by carrying packet number, key identification, and message integrity information within the frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If unicast control frames use group keys for protection, then coverage is improved, but security and reliability deteriorate due to safety issues and difficulties in updating scoreboard contexts and replay checking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating key types based on frame destination: unicast control frames use pair-wise keys (CPTK) for dedicated security, while multicast/broadcast control frames use group keys (CGTK). This localized key assignment resolves the contradiction by ensuring that unicast frames receive the enhanced security of pair-wise keys while maintaining the broad coverage of group keys for multicast scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments control frame protection into separate mechanisms: unicast control frames are protected using pair-wise keys with dedicated packet number spaces, while multicast control frames use group keys. This segmentation allows each frame type to have optimized security parameters, resolving the contradiction between universal coverage and targeted security.
2Reliability
If separate packet number spaces are implemented for unicast control frame protection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the pair-wise key and packet number space mechanism applicable to all unicast control frames across multiple links. The CPTK and its associated PN space serve multiple functions: integrity protection, replay prevention, and scoreboard context management. This multi-functional approach improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If protected control frames are transmitted with integrity checks, then security is improved, but transmission efficiency deteriorates due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the control frame structure to include security parameters (pair-wise key, packet number, integrity check) only where necessary. The integrity check parameter is calculated and appended to unicast control frames, while multicast frames use different parameters. This selective parameter application maintains security without uniformly degrading transmission efficiency across all frame types.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a method and apparatus for communications are disclosed. In an embodiment, a communications device includes a controller configured to generate a protected control frame using a key for integrity checking and a transceiver configured to transmit the protected control frame to a second communications device.