Path Information-Based Key Generation for Physical-Layer Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack mechanisms for securing communications at the physical layer, particularly in 5G new radio (NR) networks, where channels may not be secured, and receivers without upper layer security features like reconfigurable intelligent surfaces or passive IoT devices are vulnerable to interception.
Innovation Solution
Generating secret keys based on path information such as distance, time-of-arrival, and angle-of-arrival estimates for encoding, decoding, and authenticating communications between transmitting and receiving devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If path information-based secret key generation is implemented, then communication security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by generating secret keys from path information before actual communication occurs. The receiving device estimates path information (distance, time-of-arrival, angle-of-arrival) from reference signals and generates a secret key in advance, which is then used to secure subsequent communications. This preliminary key generation approach enables security without adding complex real-time encryption mechanisms during communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by leveraging naturally occurring path information (distance, time-of-arrival, angle-of-arrival) that inherently exists in the wireless channel. These physical layer characteristics automatically serve as entropy sources for key generation, eliminating the need for external key distribution infrastructure or complex cryptographic protocols. The devices use their own received signals to generate keys independently.
2Reliability
If multiple reference signals are transmitted over multiple paths, then key generation reliability is improved, but signal transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using reference signals that serve dual purposes: their primary function for channel estimation and their secondary function as sources of path information for secret key generation. The same reference signals transmitted for standard wireless communication purposes are also utilized to extract distance, time-of-arrival, and angle-of-arrival information, eliminating the need for separate key generation signaling and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by extracting multiple distinct path information parameters (distance, time-of-arrival, angle-of-arrival) from the same reference signal transmissions. By varying which parameters are extracted and combined, the system can generate different secret keys or enhance key entropy, improving reliability without requiring additional signal transmissions. The patent combines these parameter variations to create robust secret keys.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects described herein relate to transmitting and/or receiving devices securing or authenticating communications at a physical layer based on generated or received path information.