LTE MME Conditional Access Stratum Security Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing protocol for cellular communication devices in LTE networks unnecessarily activates Access Stratum security for all Service Requests, including Short Messaging Service (SMS), which is sub-optimal as SMS already uses Non-Access Stratum security, leading to inefficient resource utilization and increased processing load.
Innovation Solution
The network determines whether to activate Access Stratum security based on the purpose of the Service Request, allowing it to skip security activation for services like SMS, by including a parameter in the Service Request message that indicates whether security is required, and only establishing a new signalling radio bearer if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MME always activates Access Stratum security upon receiving a Service Request, then security is ensured for all services, but unnecessary resources are consumed and processing load increases for services like SMS that already have NAS security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of security activation from a fixed always-activate policy to a conditional policy based on the service type. The MME examines the Service Request message to determine whether AS security activation is necessary, applying security only when required by the specific service, thereby reducing unnecessary processing load while maintaining security where needed
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying security activation universally to all Service Requests (excessive action), the patent applies security activation only to specific services that require it (partial action). This selective approach avoids the waste of resources on services like SMS that already have adequate security through NAS mechanisms
2Reliability
If the MME always activates Access Stratum security and establishes a new signalling radio bearer, then all services can be securely provided, but resource allocation efficiency decreases for services that do not require these resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resource allocation parameter from a fixed always-allocate policy to a conditional policy based on service requirements. The MME determines whether to establish a new signalling radio bearer by examining the Service Request message and comparing the requested service against a stored list of services that require AS security, allocating resources only when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always establishing a new signalling radio bearer (excessive action), the patent establishes the bearer only for specific services that require it (partial action). This selective resource allocation improves efficiency by avoiding unnecessary resource consumption for services like SMS that can operate with existing bearers and NAS security
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular communications system is provided in which a user device sends a Service Request to a Mobility Management Entity together with parameter data that depends on the service that is requested. The Mobility Management Entity then determines from the parameter value if AS security is required to provide the requested service. If it is not, then the Mobility Management Entity accepts the Request without providing security parameters for establishing another signalling radio bearer so that an existing signalling radio bearer is used to provide the requested service. If it is, then the Mobility Management Entity accepts the Request and provides security parameters for establishing another signalling radio bearer to be used in providing the requested service.