NAS Protocol Message Discrimination for Security and Mobility Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current NAS protocols in mobile communication systems, such as 3GPP EPS, lack definitions for accurate properties to support security and mobility management, leading to unclear operation issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for processing NAS protocol messages that include a protocol discriminator, protocol discriminator extension, and security header type to differentiate between various protection types of messages, enabling efficient management of security and mobility between mobile terminals and Mobility Management Entities (MMEs).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the current NAS protocol is used, then the system maintains compatibility with existing 3GPP standards, but the protocol lacks accurate definitions for supporting security and mobility management functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The message structure is segmented into distinct parts: protocol discriminator (4 bits), security header type (4 bits), message type, and information elements. This segmentation allows each field to have a specific, well-defined function, resolving the ambiguity in protocol definitions while maintaining overall protocol structure compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The security header type field is introduced as a localized element within the message structure that specifically addresses security protection requirements. This local addition provides precise control over security properties without requiring changes to the entire protocol framework
2Reliability
If the NAS protocol is improved to support high speed mobility and reinforced security, then security and mobility management are enhanced, but the protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol discriminator and security header type fields serve multiple functions: they identify message types, indicate security protection status, and enable proper routing and processing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate fields and structures, enhancing security without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The security header is nested within the overall message structure, with the security header type field nested within the protocol discriminator octet. This nested organization allows security mechanisms to be integrated into the existing protocol framework without requiring a complete structural overhaul
3Loss of information
If the protocol message structure is extended to include security headers and discriminators, then message protection and differentiation are improved, but the message overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol discriminator and security header type are combined within the first octet(s) of the message, with specific bit allocations (4 bits each). This merging approach provides comprehensive message identification and security indication while minimizing the total overhead by utilizing existing message structure space efficiently
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and system for management of the mobility of a terminal by using a non-access stratum (network stratum "NAS") protocol in a mobile telecommunication network. The method for management of the mobility of a terminal by using an NAS protocol, i.e., messages includes a terminal ("UE") and a mobile management entity ("MME"), and efficiently divides and processes security protected NAS messages and NAS messages with no security, and efficiently divides and processes EMM (EPS Mobility Management) messages, i.e., mobility management messages, and ESM (Evolved Session Manage ment) messages, i.e., session management messages in a network such as an EPS (Evolved Packet System) of 3GPP, thereby managing the mobility and the sessions of a terminal in an efficient manner.