MTC Terminal Data Transmission Security During Cell Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data transmission methods for Machine-Type Communication (MTC) terminals fail to securely and efficiently transfer data when an MTC terminal moves to a new cell, as the encryption key and algorithm negotiated with the source base station become unavailable, leading to network congestion and data transmission disruptions.

Innovation Solution

A data transmission method where a new base station receives an RRC Connection Request from an MTC terminal carrying a terminal identifier and data encryption information, allowing it to obtain and update the encryption algorithm and key, enabling secure encryption and decryption of data, and reallocating transmission resources as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the base station indicates a fixed resource for data transmission in idle state, then data transmission security is improved through encryption key negotiation, but the encryption key becomes unavailable when the terminal moves to a new cell

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission securityVSAvoidkey availability after terminal movement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the terminal include data encryption related information in the RRC Connection Request before actually needing to transmit data. This allows the new base station to obtain and update encryption keys in advance, ensuring security is maintained during terminal movement without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary mechanism where the new base station acts as a mediator between the terminal and the network. It receives the RRC Connection Request with encryption information, obtains updated keys from the network, and facilitates secure data transmission, thereby resolving the key unavailability issue after terminal movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If MTC terminals access the network concurrently in idle state, then network coverage is improved, but network congestion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidnetwork throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having terminals perform random access in a third stage before actual data transmission. This preliminary access phase allows the network to allocate resources and establish connections in advance, preventing congestion during actual data transmission while maintaining wide network coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal moves to a new cell, then mobility coverage is improved, but data transmission continuity is disrupted due to unavailable encryption keys

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal mobilityVSAvoiddata transmission continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the terminal include data encryption related information in the RRC Connection Request before data transmission begins. This allows the new base station to obtain and update encryption keys in advance, ensuring continuous secure data transmission during terminal movement without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the new base station receives encryption information from the terminal, obtains updated keys from the network, and confirms the key update through the RRC Connection Setup. This feedback loop ensures data transmission continuity during mobility by verifying key availability before actual transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2882208B1Method, apparatus, system, and related device for data transmission
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD
  • EP2882208B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2882208B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2882208B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method, apparatus, system, and related device for data transmission, for use in implementing, when an MTC terminal device in an idle state makes a move, data transmission between the MTC terminal device and a base station. The method for data transmission comprises: when an MTC terminal in an idle state makes a move, a new base station receives an RRC connection request transmitted by the MTC terminal, where the connection request carries therein a terminal identity of the MTC terminal and data encryption-related information; the new base station acquires, on the basis of the terminal identity and the data encryption-related information, a new encryption algorithm and key corresponding to the MTC terminal, utilizes the acquired new encryption algorithm and key to encrypt downlink data transmitted to the MTC terminal, and utilizes the acquired new encryption algorithm and key to decrypt uplink data transmitted by the MTC terminal.