Key Refresh Triggering for Small-Data Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current key refresh procedures are inadequate for next-generation wireless communication systems that handle small-data traffic, particularly for IoT devices with infrequent or frequent transmission patterns, as they do not effectively mitigate key recovery attacks and inefficient resource usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for key refresh triggering that includes starting a counter for remote units with small-data traffic patterns, determining the validity of security keys based on counter values, and initiating a key refresh procedure when the counter indicates an invalid key, ensuring secure communication by regularly updating keys for both infrequent and frequent small-data traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current key refresh procedures are used for small-data traffic, then existing security protocols are maintained, but key recovery attacks are not effectively mitigated and resource usage is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic key refresh mechanisms that adapt to different traffic patterns (infrequent vs frequent small-data traffic). The network dynamically determines when to trigger key refresh based on counter values and traffic characteristics, optimizing both security and resource usage efficiency for IoT devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of key refresh timing from static to dynamic based on counter values. By monitoring counter values and comparing them against thresholds, the system optimizes key refresh intervals to balance security requirements with resource consumption, particularly for IoT devices with varying traffic patterns
2Reliability
If key refresh is triggered frequently, then security against key recovery attacks is improved, but network resources are consumed inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network monitors counter values associated with small-data traffic and uses this feedback to determine when to trigger key refresh. This closed-loop approach ensures key refresh is triggered only when necessary based on actual traffic patterns, optimizing the balance between security and resource consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary counter initialization and monitoring when small-data traffic is detected. By starting counters at known states and pre-establishing refresh thresholds, the system prepares the infrastructure to efficiently manage key refresh timing without consuming unnecessary network resources
3Loss of energy
If key refresh is delayed, then network resource consumption is reduced, but security against key recovery attacks is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary counter initialization when small-data traffic is detected, establishing a baseline for monitoring. This preliminary action enables the system to track traffic patterns over time and trigger key refresh at optimal moments, balancing security requirements with resource conservation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from counter value monitoring to dynamically determine key refresh timing. By continuously monitoring counter values and comparing them against thresholds, the network can delay key refresh when safe but trigger it promptly when security risks increase, optimizing both security and resource usage
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for key refresh triggering. One apparatus includes a transceiver and a processor that starts a counter corresponding to a UE having a small-data traffic pattern. In response to the transceiver receiving small-data traffic associated with the UE, the processor determines if a security key is valid based on a value of the counter. If the value of the counter indicates the security key is invalid, then the processor triggers a key refresh procedure. The processor relays the small-data traffic in response to the UE having a valid security key.