Multimedia Stream Security via MBMS to P2P Session Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) security systems face challenges in securely transmitting data to a set of users, particularly when users move out of network coverage or experience changes in mobile network signal strength, requiring efficient key management and distribution to maintain data security and integrity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for switching between multimedia broadcast/multicast service streaming sessions and peer-to-peer streaming sessions, involving encryption key management, where encrypted multimedia data is received, and the encryption key is protected and decrypted using a service key, with the option to extend key lifetime and switch back to broadcast/multicast mode as needed, ensuring seamless data transfer and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized streaming media servers are deployed to provide streaming services to increasing number of users, then service quality is improved, but bandwidth demands on backbone IP network and storage requirements increase linearly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized streaming service into distributed peer-to-peer nodes. Instead of one central server handling all users, the system divides functionality across multiple edge servers and user equipments that can independently provide streaming services to local users and relay content to other peers, reducing the load on any single node and the backbone network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by implementing multi-homing capability where user equipments can simultaneously participate in both traditional network-based MBMS sessions and peer-to-peer streaming sessions. This dual-mode operation allows the system to leverage both centralized and distributed architectures, optimizing resource utilization across different network dimensions.
2Quantity of substance
If peer-to-peer streaming sessions are implemented to reduce centralized server demands, then bandwidth and storage requirements are reduced, but key management complexity and security challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary key management by establishing service keys and encryption keys before peer-to-peer sessions begin. The system pre-configures security parameters, extends key lifetimes in advance, and sets up key distribution mechanisms so that when peer-to-peer streaming starts, the security infrastructure is already in place, reducing real-time management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary role where edge servers and multi-homed user equipments act as trusted intermediaries in the peer-to-peer network. These intermediaries facilitate key distribution and management between peers, reducing the overall complexity by centralizing certain security functions while maintaining the distributed streaming architecture.
3Productivity
If encryption key lifetime is extended for peer-to-peer sessions, then key management efficiency is improved, but security risks from key exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different key lifetime strategies for different session types and network conditions. Instead of using a uniform key lifetime across all sessions, the system can extend key lifetimes for stable peer-to-peer connections while maintaining shorter lifetimes for traditional MBMS sessions or unstable connections, optimizing both efficiency and security locally for each context.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including receiving encrypted multimedia information of a multimedia broadcast multicast service streaming session, wherein the multimedia information is encrypted using an encryption key. An indication allowing to switch the receiving of the encrypted multimedia information to a peer-to-peer streaming session is received and receiving of the encrypted multimedia information from the multimedia broadcast multicast service streaming session to the peer-to-peer streaming session is switched. Encrypted multimedia information of the peer-to-peer streaming session is received.