Group Encryption Update Handling in Mission-Critical Wireless Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems providing mission critical functions, such as MCPTT, MCData, and MCVideo, face challenges in maintaining secure communication when encryption information is not obtained or incorrect, leading to limited communication and control operations during emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device is equipped with a communication circuit and processor to obtain encryption information from a server, check for encrypted communication, request updates when necessary, and perform encrypted or unencrypted communication based on user selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic device obtains encryption information from a separate server for mission critical functions, then secure communication is enabled, but communication may be limited when encryption information is not obtained due to timing or wireless environment issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure communicationVSAvoidcommunication availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device proactively obtains encryption information from the separate server in advance before communication with external electronic devices begins. This preliminary action ensures that encryption information is ready before needed, preventing communication limitations due to timing issues or wireless environment constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device determines whether to perform encrypted communication based on feedback from the separate server about the availability and validity of encryption information. This feedback mechanism allows the device to adapt its communication mode (encrypted or unencrypted) based on real-time server responses and communication conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the electronic device performs encrypted communication with external devices, then communication security is improved, but communication may fail when encryption information is incorrect or unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidcommunication success
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device obtains and validates encryption information from the separate server before initiating encrypted communication with external electronic devices. This preliminary verification ensures that the encryption information is correct and up-to-date, preventing communication failures that would occur if incorrect or unavailable encryption information were used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device uses feedback from the separate server to determine whether encrypted communication should be performed. The server provides information about the validity and availability of encryption keys, allowing the device to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with secure communication or fall back to unencrypted communication to maintain reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the electronic device uses a separate server for encryption management, then communication security is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to additional server interactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidserver interaction management
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separate server acts as an intermediary that manages encryption information and authentication for mission critical functions. By using this dedicated intermediary server, the electronic device can outsource complex security management tasks, reducing the complexity of implementing secure communication while still achieving enhanced security through the server's specialized functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250358267A1Electronic device for wireless communication, and operational method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.11.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20250358267A1 patent drawing
  • US20250358267A1 patent drawing
  • US20250358267A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a communication circuit, memory, comprising one or more storage media, storing instructions, and at least one processor operatively connected to the communication circuit and the memory, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to obtain, via the communication circuit from a server, encryption information related to a group including the electronic device, when an unencrypted packet is received from an external electronic device included in the group, check whether the group provides encrypted communication, when the group provides encrypted communication, transmit, to the external electronic device, a request signal related to updating the encryption information, and when a signal related to the completion of update of the encryption information is received from the external electronic device, receive the encrypted packet from the external electronic device.