Proximity Service Security Management in Mobile Networks

The patent introduces a network entity (eNB or MME) as an intermediary to manage security settings for device-to-device communication. The network entity receives attach requests from UEs, provides security parameters including prose security keys, and manages security contexts. This intermediary approach transfers security management responsibility from individual devices to the network, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving security reliability through centralized control and proper key distribution.

The patent merges security information transmission with the existing attach procedure. Instead of implementing a separate security setup phase, the security parameters (attach accept message containing security context, prose security key, and other security-related information) are transmitted during the standard attach signaling flow. This consolidation improves security setup efficiency by eliminating redundant signaling steps while the increase in signaling overhead is minimal since it leverages already-established communication channels.