Inter-eNB Carrier Aggregation Security Key Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, especially in heterogeneous networks, there is a challenge in managing bandwidth efficiently due to limited frequency domain bandwidth and frequent handovers between macro and small cells, which leads to increased handover frequencies and reduced offloading capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing inter-Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA) evolved node B (eNB) carrier aggregation, where multiple smaller bandwidths are aggregated to form a virtual wideband channel, allowing for simultaneous service by both macro and small cells, reducing handovers through carrier aggregation and enabling offloading by using different eNBs for primary and secondary cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If inter-eNB carrier aggregation is implemented to aggregate multiple smaller bandwidths into a virtual wideband channel, then bandwidth capacity is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to simultaneous service by multiple eNBs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple smaller bandwidth channels from different eNBs (macro eNB and small eNB) into a single virtual wideband channel through carrier aggregation. This allows the UE to simultaneously utilize multiple component carriers, effectively increasing the total bandwidth capacity while managing device complexity through standardized aggregation procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent handovers are performed between macro and small cells to handle traffic loads, then network adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to handover overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes security key information beforehand at both the macro eNB and small eNB before handover occurs. By pre-configuring the necessary security parameters at the target small eNB in advance, the actual handover execution is accelerated, reducing the time loss associated with security setup during frequent handovers between macro and small cells.
3Reliability
If security key information is determined at both macro eNB and small eNB for inter-eNB carrier aggregation, then reliability is improved through enhanced security, but device complexity increases due to additional security key management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the macro eNB as an intermediary to facilitate security key management between the UE and small eNB. The macro eNB determines and forwards appropriate security key information to both itself and the small eNB, simplifying the security management process for the UE while ensuring that both eNBs have the necessary keys for secure communication in inter-eNB carrier aggregation scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
Technology for communicating security key information from a macro eNB is disclosed. Security key information associated with the macro evolved node B (eNB) may be determined. The security key information may be used to cipher information communicated at the first eNB. A small eNB may be identified at the macro eNB to generate the security key information associated with the macro eNB for ciphering information communicated at the second eNB. The security key information may be communicated, from the macro eNB, to the small eNB for inter-Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA) evolved node B (eNB) carrier aggregation.