ETWS Message Transmission via CBS Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing LTE system lacks an efficient method for broadcasting and transmitting Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) messages, requiring additional interfaces and lacking security mechanisms for message delivery within the core network.

Innovation Solution

The system encapsulates ETWS messages within Cell Broadcasting Service (CBS) messages and uses the S1 interface to transmit them from the core network to the Radio Access Network (RAN), where they are multiplexed into multiple System Information Blocks (SIBs) and accompanied by digital signature information for authentication, ensuring secure delivery to user equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the core network sends the ETWS message to the RAN directly, then the ETWS message can be delivered to UEs, but it is necessary to add a new interface between the core network and the RAN

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveETWS message deliveryVSAvoidinterface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reuses the existing S1 interface between the MME and eNB for ETWS message transmission, allowing the interface to serve both its original functions and the new ETWS message delivery function. This avoids adding a new dedicated interface while enabling ETWS message transmission from the core network to the RAN.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the core network sends the ETWS message to the RAN directly, then the ETWS message can be delivered to UEs, but the security of the ETWS message must be considered

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveETWS message deliveryVSAvoidmessage security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies digital signature authentication to the ETWS messages before they are transmitted from the core network to the RAN. The MME signs the ETWS messages using its private key, and the eNB verifies the signatures using the MME's public key. This preliminary security measure ensures message authenticity and integrity before delivery to UEs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the ETWS message is transmitted through system information, then the message can be broadcast to UEs, but the message size is limited by the SIB capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage broadcastVSAvoidmessage size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ETWS message into multiple parts and transmits them across different system information blocks (SIBs). The eNB divides the large ETWS message into smaller segments that fit within the capacity limits of individual SIBs, allowing complete message delivery through multiple SIB transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If digital signature information is included with the ETWS message, then message security is authenticated, but the transmission requires additional message handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage authenticationVSAvoidmessage processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ETWS message and its digital signature into a single transmitted unit. The MME signs the ETWS message and sends both the original message and signature together to the eNB, which then transmits them as integrated system information to UEs. This merging simplifies the transmission process while maintaining security verification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2211567B1Apparatus and method for broadcast transmission of ETWS message
Publication Date: 2015.10.07 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2211567B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2211567B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2211567B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an earthquake and tsunami warning system (ETWS) technology, and in particular to a system, apparatus and methods for broadcasting and transmitting an ETWS message. The system for broadcasting and transmitting an ETWS message includes: an ETWS message publishing entity, adapted to publish an ETWS message; a cell broadcast center (CBC), adapted to: encapsulate the ETWS message published by the ETWS message publication entity into a cell broadcast service (CBS) message, and send the CBS message; a mobility management entity (MME), adapted to forward the CBS message sent by the CBC to a radio access network (RAN); and the RAN, adapted to: receive the CBS message forwarded by the MME, and send the received CBS message to a user equipment (UE). The preceding system provides a new technical solution for transmitting an ETWS message, which can guarantee the security of the ETWS message transmission by using the security mechanism of the CBS.