Physical Channel Encryption to Block Unauthorized Wireless Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks lack robust security measures at the physical channel level, making them vulnerable to interference and attacks from malicious UEs that can access system information, affecting network performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing physical channel encryption and decryption methods, including key distribution mechanisms, bit-level, modulated symbol-level, and time domain symbol-level encryption, using encryption keys to secure downlink and uplink channels, and categorizing spectra into secure and open categories to protect sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical channel encryption is implemented, then network security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption system is segmented into multiple independent components: key generation module, key distribution module, encryption module (with bit-level, modulated symbol-level, and time domain symbol-level encryption), and decryption module. Each component operates independently but coordinates with others, allowing the complex encryption function to be divided into manageable parts that can be implemented and maintained separately.
Solution Approach 2:
A key distribution mechanism acts as an intermediary between the network and UEs, managing the secure exchange of encryption keys. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of key management, key updates, and key distribution logistics, shielding the encryption/decryption processes from direct complex interactions and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If physical channel encryption is implemented, then unauthorized access prevention is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements three levels of encryption (bit-level, modulated symbol-level, time domain symbol-level) that can be selectively applied based on security requirements. Not all channels or data types require the full three-level encryption, allowing partial application of encryption measures to maintain security for critical channels while reducing processing overhead for less sensitive transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption parameters (such as key length, encryption level, and algorithm complexity) can be dynamically adjusted based on network conditions, security requirements, and channel characteristics. This allows the system to optimize the balance between security strength and processing efficiency by changing parameters rather than using fixed maximum-security settings for all transmissions.
3Reliability
If key distribution mechanism is implemented, then security management is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key distribution mechanism is designed as a universal system that can serve multiple functions: initial key distribution, key updates, key refreshes, and secure channel establishment. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single unified key management infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive security management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure above describes a method, a device, and a system for encrypting/decrypting physical channels in a wireless communication network. Among various embodiments are: pre-allocating a key, dynamically granting a key, encrypting the physical channel based on key in various levels, dividing the spectrum into two categories, or dividing a network into an initial access network and a private network. In one embodiment, a method for physical channel encryption is disclosed. Performed by a UE, the method may include obtaining a first key for decrypting a first physical channel, the first physical channel being encrypted; and decrypting the first physical channel based on the first key to obtain a signal or data transmitted by a first network element, the signal or the data being carried in the first physical channel.