Core Network Key Activation Triggering for 5G Latency Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The activation procedure for the security protection function in 4G systems is inflexible and causes significant latency, which cannot meet the requirements of 5G systems that demand greater flexibility and lower latency.

Innovation Solution

An information sending method where a core network element determines whether a terminal device needs to perform a key activation procedure and sends a message to an access network element to trigger the key activation procedure only when necessary, allowing for selective activation based on actual situations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the fixed activation procedure in 4G system is used, then security protection function is activated, but latency is large and flexibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the key activation procedure optional rather than fixed. The core network element dynamically decides whether to trigger the activation procedure based on actual security requirements and service types. This transforms the static 4G procedure into a flexible 5G mechanism that adapts to different scenarios, reducing unnecessary latency while maintaining security where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of activation necessity from fixed to variable. By introducing indication information that reflects actual security requirements, the system adjusts whether key activation is performed based on service type, terminal capability, and security policy. This parameter change enables the system to avoid unnecessary activation procedures, thereby reducing latency while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the key activation procedure is always performed, then security is ensured, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the key activation procedure from the mandatory sequence and makes it conditional. By separating the activation decision from the normal connection establishment flow, the system only performs key activation when security requirements dictate. This extraction reduces unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining security protection where actually needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing key activation only when necessary rather than always. The core network element evaluates security requirements and triggers activation only for services or scenarios that demand enhanced security. This partial approach avoids excessive signaling overhead associated with universal activation while ensuring security where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12225119B2Information sending method, key generation method, and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.02.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US12225119B2 patent drawing
  • US12225119B2 patent drawing
  • US12225119B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information sending method, a key generation method, and an apparatus, where a core network element first determines whether a terminal device needs to perform a key activation procedure, and then sends a first message to an access network element, where the first message indicates whether the access network element needs to send, to the terminal device, a second message to trigger the terminal device to perform the key activation procedure. After receiving the first message, the access network element determines, based on the first message, whether the second message needs to be sent to the terminal device, and sends the second message to the terminal device when the second message needs to be sent to the terminal device.