Partial EMM Transport Message Ciphering for CIoT Overhead Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP wireless communication systems lack effective methods for ciphering Evolved Packet System (EPS) Mobility Management (EMM) transport messages, particularly in the context of Cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) EPS optimization, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and increased overhead.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for partially ciphering EMM transport messages by encrypting specific octets, including octet 7 and all subsequent octets, to enhance security and reduce overhead in EPS services with CIoT optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full ciphering of EMM transport message is implemented, then security is improved, but message overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the EMM transport message into two parts: the first 6 octets remain unciphered to maintain compatibility and reduce overhead, while only the remaining octets (starting from octet 7) are ciphered. This selective segmentation allows the message to maintain security for the critical data portion while avoiding the overhead of ciphering the entire message structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by applying ciphering only to the necessary portion of the message (from octet 7 onwards) rather than the entire message. This partial ciphering approach provides sufficient security protection for the data container while minimizing the overhead that would result from full message ciphering.
2Quantity of substance
If EMM transport message ciphering is not implemented, then overhead is reduced, but security vulnerabilities occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the message into a fixed header portion (first 6 octets) that remains plain text for compatibility and overhead reduction, and a variable data portion (from octet 7) that is ciphered. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low overhead for the structural information while providing security protection for the actual data payload.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different message portions: the header portion maintains its original unciphered state to preserve structural integrity and reduce overhead, while the data portion receives ciphering protection. This localized application of security measures optimizes the balance between overhead and security.
3Reliability
If partial ciphering starting from octet 7 is implemented, then security is enhanced with reduced overhead, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the ciphering boundary at octet 7, which allows the ciphering mechanism to be implemented systematically. The first 6 octets are treated as a fixed unciphered region, and the remaining octets are automatically ciphered, providing a clear and implementable rule that reduces complexity compared to full message ciphering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ciphering mechanism universal by establishing a standardized approach that works for all EMM transport messages with data containers. The same ciphering rule (start from octet 7) applies consistently across different message types and scenarios, simplifying implementation compared to message-specific ciphering strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of this specification, there is provided an operation method of user equipment (UE). The method may comprise: generating an Evolved Packet System (EPS) Mobility Management (EMM) transport message; and if the EMM transport message includes a data container, partially ciphering the EMM transport message by ciphering a part of the EMM transport message including of octet 7 and all subsequent octets. The EMM transport message may be transmitted if the UE uses an Evolved Packet System (EPS) service with control plane Cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) EPS optimization with overhead reduction.