Control Information Security Encoding for Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G and New Radio (NR) networks, face vulnerabilities in protecting control information due to the lack of security in sidelink and access link communications, making them susceptible to attacks that can disrupt network performance and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves encoding control communications with a first part using a common security key and a second part using a private security key, allowing only intended recipients to decode and authenticate the messages, thereby enhancing the security and authenticity of control information exchanged between user equipment (UE) and network nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control communications are transmitted without security encoding, then device complexity and processing speed are maintained at acceptable levels, but the system becomes vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and control information integrity cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The control communication message is divided into two distinct parts: a first part protected by a common security key and a second part protected by a private security key. This segmentation allows different security mechanisms to be applied to different portions of the control information, enhancing overall security while managing complexity through structured organization of security protocols
Solution Approach 2:
Different security key types are applied to different parts of the control communication based on the sensitivity and purpose of each portion. The common security key protects general control information, while the private security key protects critical control information requiring higher security. This localized application of security measures optimizes the balance between security and complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dual security key encoding is implemented, then protection against man-in-the-middle attacks is significantly improved, but the processing time and computational resources required for encoding and decoding increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control communication into two parts with different security requirements, the system avoids applying the most computationally intensive private key protection to all data. The common security key provides faster protection for less critical information, reducing overall processing time while maintaining strong security where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial security measures (common key) to portions of the control communication where full security (private key) is not strictly necessary. This selective approach reduces computational overhead and processing time while still providing adequate protection against man-in-the-middle attacks for the entire message
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a receiver user equipment (UE) may receive at least one control communication that includes a first part and a second part. The UE may determine an authenticity status of the at least one control communication based at least in part on at least one of a common security key corresponding to the first part or a private security key corresponding to the second part. The UE may perform a wireless communication task based at least in part on the authenticity status of the at least one control communication. Numerous other aspects are described.