Control Frame Security via Segmented Integrity Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently and securely transmitting communications signaling information, such as data, communications links, and multi-link device operation parameters, within multi-link communications systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for wireless communications that involve a communications device with a controller generating a control frame carrying security-related information for frame integrity protection. This frame includes security information like frame protection indication, key ID, packet number, and message integrity check, strategically located within the control frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security related information is included in control frames, then frame integrity protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments security related information into distinct fields within the control frame structure. Frame protection indication information, key ID information, packet number information, and message integrity check information are separated into individual fields with specific locations, allowing systematic processing and reducing implementation complexity while maintaining comprehensive security protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different security information elements at specific locations within the control frame rather than uniformly throughout. Each security field is placed in a designated location (e.g., frame protection indication in Frame Control field, MIC information in trailer), enabling targeted security processing and simplifying device implementation by knowing exactly where to process each security element.
2Reliability
If control frames are protected with security information, then transmission security is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary security processing by pre-calculating and inserting the message integrity check (MIC) information and packet number into the control frame structure before transmission. The frame protection indication and key ID are also prepared in advance in designated fields, allowing receiving devices to efficiently verify security without requiring complex real-time computation, thus reducing processing time while maintaining strong security protection.
3Reliability
If security fields are added to control frames, then frame protection capability is improved, but frame structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control frame structure that can accommodate multiple types of security information in standardized fields. The same frame structure with designated locations for frame protection indication, key ID, packet number, and MIC information can be used across different control frame types (data frames, management frames, acknowledgment frames), providing consistent security capability without requiring separate complex structures for each frame type.
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 control frame carrying security related information for frame integrity protection in different locations in the control frame with other information in between the security related information and a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit the control frame to a second communications device.