Downlink Control Information Encryption Using Shared Secret Keys
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in securing downlink control information (DCI) due to the sensitivity of data handling sensitive information, especially in massive IoT scenarios where low-energy/low-power devices are prevalent, posing security risks from eavesdroppers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing security mechanisms using secret keys generated by both user equipment (UE) and base station (BS) based on channel estimation and symmetric key exchange, such as Diffie-Hellman, to encrypt DCI, enhancing security by frequent key changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DCI is transmitted without encryption in unlicensed spectrum, then communication efficiency is maintained, but security against eavesdroppers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically selecting encryption methods based on spectrum type. In unlicensed spectrum, the system changes the encryption parameter from 'no encryption' to 'lightweight encryption using shared secret keys', resolving the contradiction between maintaining communication efficiency and improving security against eavesdroppers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shared secret keys as an intermediary element between the base station and UE. These keys are exchanged through licensed spectrum and then used to encrypt DCI in unlicensed spectrum, providing security without requiring complex encryption mechanisms at the device level
2Reliability
If frequent key changes are implemented to enhance security, then security against eavesdropping is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic key changes where shared secret keys are updated at predetermined intervals or after a certain number of DCI transmissions. This periodic action maintains security against eavesdropping while avoiding continuous key updates that would excessively increase energy consumption in low-power devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by leveraging the existing licensed spectrum connection to automatically establish and refresh shared secret keys without requiring additional manual intervention or complex key management protocols, thus maintaining security while minimizing energy overhead
3Reliability
If lightweight encryption is used in unlicensed spectrum, then security is improved, but encryption overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing encryption only in the specific context of unlicensed spectrum DCI transmissions, rather than applying comprehensive encryption to all communications. This targeted approach improves security where needed (unlicensed spectrum) while minimizing encryption overhead and maintaining efficiency in other contexts
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects of the present disclosure disclose methods and systems directed to securing downlink control information (DCI) using secret keys available to both a user equipment (UE) and a base station (BS). In some aspects, the base station may secure a DCI using one or more secret keys. The secret keys may be generated by the BS and the UE based on an estimation of a radio channel connecting the UE to the BS, and/or the secret keys may be generated at the BS using upper layer encryption techniques and shared with the UE. Upon receiving the DCI, the UE can extract the contents of the secured DCI using the secret keys.