Intermediary Device Service Optimization via Key Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermediary devices in communication networks cannot provide service optimization for user equipment and network servers due to their inability to decrypt ciphertext.
Innovation Solution
A service processing method and apparatus that utilizes a key management function entity to negotiate and obtain a first key, allowing the intermediary device to decrypt ciphertext transmitted between user equipment and network servers, thereby enabling service optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an intermediary device is disposed between user equipment and network server to forward data, then data transmission reliability is improved, but the intermediary device cannot decrypt ciphertext and thus cannot provide service optimization
Solution Approach 1:
A key management function entity is introduced as a mediator between the user equipment, network server, and intermediary device. This entity facilitates key negotiation and distribution, enabling the intermediary device to obtain decryption keys without compromising the security architecture. The key management function entity acts as a trusted third party that coordinates key exchange between multiple devices, resolving the contradiction by allowing the intermediary to decrypt ciphertext while maintaining data transmission reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If encryption is used to protect data privacy, then data security is improved, but intermediary devices cannot decrypt ciphertext to provide service optimization functions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary key negotiation and key distribution before data encryption occurs. The key management function entity establishes secure communication channels and distributes decryption keys to the intermediary device in advance. This preliminary action enables the intermediary to decrypt and process ciphertext for service optimization while the user equipment and network server maintain encryption for data privacy protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system have different security requirements. The user equipment and network server maintain strong encryption for data privacy, while the intermediary device receives decrypted keys locally to provide service optimization functions. This local quality approach allows each component to operate with appropriate security levels - encryption for privacy protection and decryption for service optimization - without compromising either function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If decryption keys are shared with intermediary devices to enable service optimization, then service optimization capability is improved, but security risks increase due to key exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The key management function entity serves as a secure intermediary that handles key distribution to the intermediary device. This mediator architecture allows the intermediary to obtain decryption keys for service optimization while the key management function entity maintains control over key security. The trusted third party facilitates key exchange through secure channels, reducing the security risks associated with direct key sharing between user equipment, network server, and intermediary devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a service processing method and apparatus, and relates to the communications field. The method includes: receiving trigger information sent by an intermediary device; and assisting, based on the trigger information, the intermediary device in negotiating with UE and a network server, to enable the intermediary device to obtain a first key, where the first key is used by the intermediary device to decrypt ciphertexts sent by the UE and the network server, the ciphertext is obtained after the UE or the network server encrypts service information by using a second key, and the first key is corresponding to the second key. The present invention resolves a problem that an intermediary device cannot provide service optimization for user equipment and a network server because the intermediary device cannot decrypt ciphertext, and achieves an effect of expanding a usage scope of service optimization.