Small Data Transmission via Control Plane NAS PDU Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transmission methods for small data packets in communication technologies, such as email push and smart meter readings, are inefficient due to lengthy procedures and low transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A data transmission method that encapsulates small data packets into Non-Access Stratum Protocol Data Units (NAS PDUs) and performs security processing using security parameters and algorithms, allowing direct transmission through control plane signaling, thereby omitting the establishment of a data transmission channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional user plane signaling is used to transmit small data packets, then a complete data transmission channel must be established, but this results in lengthy procedures and low transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges small data packet transmission with control plane signaling by encapsulating user data into NAS PDUs that are carried within existing control signaling messages (such as Uplink Information Exchange or Downlink Information Exchange). This eliminates the need to establish separate user plane channels, thereby reducing procedure length and transmission delay while maintaining security through existing control plane security mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If control plane signaling is used to carry NAS PDUs, then transmission procedure is simplified, but security processing must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces security processing functions as intermediaries between the data transmission and control plane signaling. Security algorithms and parameters (integrity protection keys, cipher keys) are applied to NAS PDUs before they are encapsulated in control signaling messages. The network side performs corresponding security verification, ensuring that security is maintained without adding significant procedural complexity.
3Reliability
If security processing is applied to each small data packet, then transmission security is ensured, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universal security processing mechanisms that are already established for control plane signaling to the small data packets carried in NAS PDUs. The same integrity protection and encryption algorithms used for control signaling are reused for data transmission, avoiding the need for separate security processing frameworks and reducing overall complexity while ensuring security.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a data transmission method and apparatus, where the method includes: performing, by UE, security processing on a NAS PDU by using a security parameter and a security algorithm, where data to be transmitted is encapsulated in the NAS PDU; and sending, by the UE, the NAS PDU to a serving SGSN by using an RNC. The present invention can improve efficiency of transmitting a small data packet, and further provide a security mechanism to ensure security of transmitting the small data packet.