Network Device Band Switching Security Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face delays and service disruptions when switching between frequency bands due to the need to establish security configurations and quality of service settings after band switching, which degrades the quality of service.

Innovation Solution

A network device with a security module that establishes security for multiple frequency bands before switching, using a multi-transient-key or single-transient-key approach to perform authentication and key management, allowing for seamless session transfer by performing association, authentication, and quality of service negotiation in the current band before switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If security configuration is established after band switching, then security is ensured for each band, but service disruption and delay occur during band switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity establishmentVSAvoidservice disruption delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs security configuration establishment in advance before band switching occurs. Specifically, the mobile station establishes security configurations for both the current band and the target band before actually switching bands. This preliminary action ensures that when the band switch occurs, security is already in place, eliminating service disruption and delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares security configurations for multiple bands in advance, creating a buffer or cushion that prevents service disruption during band switching. By having security configurations ready beforehand for the target band, the system cushions against the potential harm of service interruption that would otherwise occur during the switching process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If security configuration is established in each band after switching, then security is maintained, but quality of service degrades due to repeated authentication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity maintenanceVSAvoidquality of service

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the security configuration establishment process across multiple bands. Instead of performing separate authentication and security setup in each band after switching, the system performs a single security configuration establishment that covers both the current and target bands simultaneously. This merging eliminates repeated authentication processes and maintains quality of service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal security configuration approach that works across multiple frequency bands. The security module establishes a unified security context that is valid for both the current band and the target band, allowing the same security configuration to serve multiple functions and bands, thereby eliminating the need for repeated band-specific authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If multiple security configurations are maintained for different bands, then seamless band switching is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseamless band switchingVSAvoidsecurity module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the security configuration management by maintaining separate security contexts for different bands while using a unified management approach. The mobile station divides security configurations into band-specific segments but manages them through a single security module that handles multiple bands, reducing overall complexity while enabling seamless switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9992680B2System and method for establishing security in network devices capable of operating in multiple frequency bands

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 NXP USA INC

AI summary

A method includes establishing, in response to a network device operating in the first frequency band, security for the first frequency band and a second frequency band by performing a single authentication in the first frequency band prior to the network device switching operation from the first frequency band to the second frequency band. The method includes transferring, subsequent to the network device switching operation from the first frequency band to the second frequency band, a communication session of the network device from the first frequency band to the second frequency band. The method includes resuming the communication session of the network device in the second frequency band using the security established for the second frequency band (i) during the operation of the network device in the first frequency band, and (ii) prior to the network device switching operation from the first frequency band to the second frequency band.