Dynamic Virtual UICC Configuration for NB-IoT Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G networks face challenges in efficiently managing the connectivity and resource allocation for numerous low-power, low-complexity Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) devices, which require varying levels of encryption security and resource utilization due to diverse capabilities and services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a unified data management system to prioritize NB-IoT device connectivity based on service categories, dynamically reconfiguring virtual UICC authentication and encryption resources, and managing encryption keys of different strengths to optimize network resource usage and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a unified data management system is implemented to prioritize NB-IoT device connectivity based on service categories, then network resource allocation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of virtual UICC authentication and encryption resources based on service categories and device capabilities. The network can adjust resource allocation in real-time, transitioning from static to dynamic management, which improves network resource allocation efficiency without requiring permanent increases in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as encryption key strength and authentication resource allocation based on service categories. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed high-level configurations, the system improves overall network efficiency while keeping individual device requirements manageable
2Reliability
If dynamic reconfiguration of virtual UICC authentication and encryption resources is performed, then security is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different authentication and encryption resource levels to different service categories and device capabilities. Instead of uniformly high security across all devices, the system provides locally optimized security levels - stronger authentication for critical services, weaker for less critical ones - thereby improving overall security posture while reducing energy consumption for devices that don't require maximum security
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial reconfiguration of security resources based on actual needs. Rather than continuously maintaining maximum security levels for all devices, it applies security measures proportionally to service requirements, achieving adequate security while minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure
3Adaptability or versatility
If encryption keys of different strengths are managed, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal key management system that handles multiple key strengths through a single standardized interface and protocol. The network manages the complexity of different key strengths centrally, while devices interact through a unified mechanism, thereby achieving adaptability across different service requirements without proportionally increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method to configure a virtual integrated universal integrated circuit card (UICC) that is integrated in a narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) host device of a telecommunications network. One or more network nodes can configure one or more authentication and encryption functions for the UICC based on a capability of the NB-IoT device and a condition of the 5G network. The network node(s) can detect a change in a condition of the network or the capability of the NB-IoT device and, in response, reconfigure the UICC for one or more second authentication and encryption functions.