DCI Encryption and Integrity Protection for Secure Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downlink control information (DCI) in wireless communications systems is vulnerable to eavesdropping and manipulation, posing a risk of targeted attacks, as it is often not protected.
Innovation Solution
Implementing DCI encryption and integrity protection mechanisms using a physical layer encryption key derived from an access stratum (AS) security key, ensuring secure communication between a wireless device and a network node, including ciphering and integrity protection of DCI transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If DCI transmissions are left unprotected for simplicity and ease of operation, then device complexity is reduced, but security against eavesdropping and manipulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing access stratum security and generating encryption keys before DCI transmissions occur. The AS key is established during initial connection, and DCI encryption keys are derived in advance, so that when DCI transmissions happen, the protection mechanisms are already in place and operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements (encryption keys and security mechanisms) between the DCI transmission components to protect against eavesdropping and manipulation. These intermediaries act as mediators that secure the communication without being the DCI itself.
2Reliability
If DCI encryption and integrity protection mechanisms are implemented, then security against eavesdropping and manipulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security protection into distinct components: access stratum security establishment, physical layer encryption key generation, DCI encryption key derivation, and DCI transmission protection. This segmentation allows each component to be implemented and managed independently, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal AS key that serves multiple purposes: establishing access stratum security, generating physical layer encryption keys, and deriving DCI encryption keys. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate keys and mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive security.
3Reliability
If DCI transmissions are encrypted and protected for integrity, then security is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs key generation and security establishment in advance before DCI transmissions occur. The AS key is established during initial connection, and encryption keys are derived beforehand, minimizing the processing time required during actual DCI transmissions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and techniques for wireless communications. For instance, a process can include establishing, by a wireless device (e.g., a user equipment (UE)), access stratum (AS) security between the wireless device and a network node; generating a downlink control information (DCI) encryption key based on a physical layer encryption key generated from an AS key shared with the network node; receiving a DCI transmission from the network node; and decrypting the DCI transmission using the DCI encryption key to obtain scheduling information for the wireless device.