NTN Signal Coverage Verification Through Secure NAS Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in verifying the integrity of signal coverage information, particularly in satellite networks, which can lead to incorrect network coverage determination, resulting in Denial of Service attacks or unnecessary power consumption due to tampered broadcast information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining signal coverage information by comparing first signal coverage information received from a Non-Terrestrial Networks-Radio Access Network (NTN-RAN) with second signal coverage information obtained through secure transmission from a core network device, such as AMF, to ensure accurate network coverage determination and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal coverage information is obtained from broadcast information transmitted by NTN-RAN device, then the UE can determine network coverage, but the information may be tampered with leading to incorrect coverage determination and security vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The core network device acts as an intermediary that provides a second source of signal coverage information through secure NAS messages. This intermediary verification mechanism allows the UE to cross-check the broadcast information from NTN-RAN, preventing tampered information from causing security vulnerabilities or Denial of Service attacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the UE compares signal coverage information from two sources (broadcast information and NAS message) and uses the consistent information for coverage determination. This feedback loop ensures that tampered information is detected and rejected, maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If the UE continuously monitors signal coverage information to ensure accuracy, then coverage determination reliability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic actions where the UE receives signal coverage information through NAS messages at specific intervals or events (such as during configuration updates). This periodic verification maintains coverage determination accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The core network device proactively pushes signal coverage information to the UE through NAS messages, eliminating the need for the UE to continuously request or monitor coverage information. This self-service approach where the network provides information on-demand reduces UE power consumption while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the UE uses only broadcast information for coverage determination, then the process is simple, but the system is vulnerable to tampered information and security attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two information sources (broadcast information from NTN-RAN and secure NAS messages from core network) into a unified coverage determination process. The UE compares both sources and uses consistent information, maintaining operational simplicity while significantly improving information integrity and security against tampering.
4Measurement precision
If the UE verifies signal coverage information through multiple sources, then information accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification process extracts and compares only the critical signal coverage information parameters from two sources, rather than analyzing entire message structures. This selective extraction approach maintains high measurement precision for coverage determination while minimizing UE processing complexity by focusing only on essential verification elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a signal coverage information determination method and apparatus, a communication device, and a storage medium. User equipment (UE) receives broadcast information carrying first signal coverage information sent by a non-terrestrial network (NTN) access network device; the UE receives a non-access stratum (NAS) message carrying second signal coverage information sent by a core network device, the NAS message being related to a configuration update of the UE; and the UE determines third signal coverage information to be adopted by the UE on the basis of the first signal coverage information and the second signal coverage information.