PDCP COUNT Synchronization for 5G Security Key Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In next generation mobile communication systems, decoding failures and hyperframe number (HFN) desynchronization issues arise due to mismatched COUNT values between transmitting and receiving Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) entities, potentially caused by data loss or hacker intrusion, which are critical in low-latency, high-reliability applications like factory automation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for verifying synchronization of COUNT values between transmitting and receiving PDCP entities by generating a list of bearer identities and associated COUNT values, including specific conditions for different bearer types and directions, to ensure accurate decoding and prevent desynchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate signaling radio bearers are established for key identification and data transmission, then reliability of key identification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the key identification signaling and data transmission signaling into a single signaling radio bearer (SRB). The network device configures the terminal to use the same SRB for both key identification information and data transmission, eliminating the need for separate bearer establishment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable key identification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The signaling radio bearer is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both the key identification bearer and the data transmission bearer. This multi-functional approach allows the same communication channel to handle different types of traffic (key identification and general data), reducing the total number of bearers needed and simplifying the device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If multiple signaling radio bearers are configured for different purposes, then measurement precision of key identification is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device pre-configures the signaling radio bearer to be used for both key identification and data transmission before actual communication begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for separate bearer establishment procedures later, saving time while ensuring that the bearer is properly configured for accurate key identification measurements from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging key identification signaling and data transmission signaling into one bearer, the patent eliminates the sequential setup time required for multiple separate bearers. The single bearer is configured once and reused for both purposes, significantly reducing the total time required for bearer establishment while maintaining the precision needed for secure key identification.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a communication scheme and system for converging a 5th generation (5G) communication system for supporting a data rate higher than that of a 4th generation (4G) system with an internet of things (IoT) technology. The disclosure is applicable to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car or connected car, health care, digital education, retail, and security and safety-related services) based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology. The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for allowing a base station to identify a ciphering key (COUNT value) for security enhancement.