Integrity Protection Configuration in LTE-A Radio Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems, particularly in LTE-A, face challenges in implementing integrity protection for Data Radio Bearers (DRBs) in the backhaul link, leading to synchronization issues and increased air interface signaling overhead when transitioning from non-integrity protected to integrity protected configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that reestablishes a radio connection between a base station and a terminal, notifying the terminal of integrity protection configuration information through RRC connection reconfiguration signaling, allowing explicit activation or deactivation of integrity protection for data radio bearers, and managing keys for integrity protection algorithms to ensure timely and efficient application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If integrity protection is applied to DRB in backhaul link, then data security is improved, but synchronization problem occurs and signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring integrity protection parameters in advance during RRC connection reconfiguration before data transmission begins. The base station pre-configures the integrity protection algorithm and key derivation parameters, allowing the terminal to prepare and apply integrity protection without real-time synchronization issues during data flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RRC connection reconfiguration signaling as an intermediary mechanism to transfer integrity protection configuration from the base station to the terminal. This intermediary signaling channel allows the terminal to explicitly acquire configuration information without introducing synchronization complexity into the data transmission path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If integrity protection configuration is modified during operation, then adaptability is improved, but air interface signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing integrity protection configuration modifications during RRC connection reconfiguration procedures rather than during active data transmission. This timing allows configuration changes to be applied in advance, avoiding the need for frequent interruptive signaling during operational data flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing flexible configuration of integrity protection parameters through RRC connection reconfiguration signaling. The system can dynamically adjust which DRBs receive integrity protection and which algorithms to use, adapting to changing security requirements without requiring continuous air interface signaling during active transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method and system for realizing integrity protection. The method includes: a radio connection is reestablished between a base station and a terminal, and the base station notifies the terminal of integrity protection configuration information included in a first Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection reconfiguration signaling after the radio connection is reestablished. With the method in the disclosure, the terminal explicitly acquires the point in time of applying integrity protection, and explicitly knows a data packet to which the integrity protection is applied; furthermore, a Data Radio Bearer (DRB) integrity protection configuration is modified through the first RRC connection reconfiguration signaling after the radio connection is reestablished, thereby it is avoided that the point in time of modifying integrity protection configuration is directly introduced into the RRC signaling, thus reducing the air interface load.