Encryption Key Parameter Synchronization in Wireless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, existing techniques for encryption key usage can lead to key mismatches, particularly in semi-statically allocated resources, where devices may skip transmission occasions, causing synchronization issues and reliability problems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods for devices to synchronize parameters associated with encryption keys by updating them at each transmission occasion, using a slot count, or through feedback processes, such as a three-state feedback process including ACK, NACK, and discontinuous transmission (DTX) feedback, to avoid key mismatches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices update encryption key parameters at each transmission occasion, then key synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to track and update parameters at every occasion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter update mechanism from event-driven (at each transmission occasion) to time-driven (based on slot count). The encryption key parameter is updated after a predetermined number of slots pass, regardless of whether transmissions occur. This transforms the update trigger from a complex event-based system to a simple counter-based system, reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability.
2Reliability
If devices use encryption keys for a duration based on slot count rather than transmission quantity, then key synchronization is improved, but adaptability decreases because the key usage becomes less responsive to actual transmission needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-determining the key usage duration in terms of slot count before actual transmissions occur. The encryption key is configured to be valid for a specific number of slots, and both devices independently track this duration using slot counters. This preliminary timing mechanism ensures synchronization without requiring real-time negotiation, balancing reliability with reasonable adaptability through the use of reference signals and feedback mechanisms.
3Productivity
If transmitting devices skip transmission occasions, then resource efficiency is improved, but key synchronization reliability deteriorates because the receiving device cannot distinguish skipped occasions from transmission failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the receiving device monitors for reference signals in each expected transmission occasion and provides feedback (ACK/NACK/DTX) to the transmitting device. When a transmission is skipped, the receiving device detects the absence of data but presence of reference signals and sends DTX feedback. The transmitting device uses this feedback to understand that the occasion was intentionally skipped and adjusts its key parameter tracking accordingly, maintaining synchronization while allowing resource-efficient skipping.
4Reliability
If devices use a three-state feedback process including DTX feedback, then key synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases due to the additional feedback states and monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feedback mechanism into distinct, well-defined states (ACK, NACK, DTX), each with specific triggering conditions and processing rules. This segmentation allows the complex feedback processing to be broken down into manageable, independent decision trees. The receiving device checks reference signal presence first, then data presence, leading to deterministic feedback state selection. This segmented approach reduces complexity compared to a monolithic feedback processing system.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. Devices may synchronize parameters associated with an encryption key to avoid a key mismatch. In a first example, a transmitter and a receiver may each update a respective parameter at each transmission occasion associated with semi-statically allocated resources, regardless of whether signaling is transmitted in the transmission occasion. In a second example, the transmitter and the receiver may each update the respective parameter based on a slot count, rather than at each transmission occasion. In a third example, the transmitter may indicate a value of a transmitter parameter to the receiver, for example in control signaling or in the signaling in each transmission occasion. In a fourth example, the receiver may be enabled to identify a skipped transmission occasion The receiver may be enabled with a feedback process to indicate the receiver recognized the associated transmission occasion was skipped.