Dual Connectivity Cell Release via Segmented Security Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in wireless communication systems is configuring and releasing low-power base station cells for dual connectivity, which poses security concerns and is unknown in existing LTE and LTE-Advanced systems.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a macro cell base station determines and allocates a low-power base station cell to a user equipment (UE) by sending a cell addition request message, and subsequently, a radio resource control (RRC) message with security keys and algorithms, enabling secure communication. The cell release is initiated through RRC messages to the UE and the low-power base station, ensuring secure and efficient resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a low-power base station cell is configured to a UE for dual connectivity, then data throughput increases due to simultaneous data transmissions, but security concerns arise regarding cell configuration and release procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security management by introducing separate security keys for the macro base station and low-power base station. The macro base station generates a first security key for itself and a second security key for the low-power base station, allowing independent security validation for each connection. This segmentation enables dual connectivity with enhanced security by treating each base station connection as a separate security domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The macro base station acts as an intermediary in the security management process. It generates and manages both the first security key (for macro base station communication) and the second security key (for low-power base station communication), then provides the second security key to the low-power base station through the X2 interface. This intermediary role ensures secure key distribution and enables the UE to establish secure connections with both base stations simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing LTE security procedures are used for dual connectivity, then implementation is simple, but proper security protection cannot be ensured for the low-power base station cell
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the security key structure into separate first and second security keys. The first security key is used for communication between the UE and macro base station, while the second security key is specifically for communication between the UE and low-power base station. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity by using standard LTE security procedures for each individual connection, while achieving enhanced overall security through the dual-key architecture.
3Productivity
If the UE communicates with both macro base station and low-power base station simultaneously, then data transmission capacity increases, but resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resource management functions by having the macro base station centrally control both the first cell (macro base station cell) and the second cell (low-power base station cell). The macro base station generates both security keys, manages the cell addition and release procedures, and coordinates resource allocation. This merged management approach, where the macro base station acts as the master controller, simplifies resource management despite the dual-connectivity scenario by centralizing control functions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of handling simultaneous communications in a communication system comprising a UE, a first base station and a second base station, where the UE has been connected to the first base station, is disclosed. The method comprises the first base station determining to allocate a cell of the second base station to the UE; the first base station transmitting a cell addition request message to the second base station in response to the determination, for requesting the second base station to allocate radio resources of the cell of the second base station to communicate with UE; and the first base station transmitting an RRC message to the UE, wherein the first RRC message comprises information related to the security key and information related to the security algorithm.