Positioning Reference Signal Timing Shift for Network Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
In UE-based OTDOA positioning, revealing sensitive clock parameters of base stations to UEs compromises network security and reduces operator control over positioning services, as UEs can determine local clock values of base stations, leading to potential malicious interference.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where only the location server knows the true local time of base stations, providing modified clock parameters to UEs for OTDOA corrections, and applying discreet time shifts to PRS transmissions to maintain security and control, without degrading positioning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If true clock parameters of base stations are provided to UEs for OTDOA positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but network security is compromised and operator control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces modified clock parameters as an intermediary that mediates between the true clock parameters and the UEs. These modified parameters are provided to UEs instead of true parameters, maintaining positioning functionality while preventing direct access to sensitive network timing information. The location server acts as an intermediary that transforms true parameters into modified parameters before transmission to UEs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the clock parameters system where modified clock parameters serve as a functional duplicate for positioning purposes. This copy enables UEs to perform OTDOA calculations without requiring access to the actual base station clock parameters, thus maintaining positioning accuracy while securing the original parameters.
2Ease of operation
If UEs can determine local clock values of base stations, then positioning functionality is enabled, but malicious interference becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
Modified clock parameters serve as an intermediary layer between UEs and base station clock values. This allows UEs to perform positioning operations without directly accessing or determining true local clock values, thereby enabling positioning functionality while preventing the harmful effect of malicious interference through unauthorized clock manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively replacing true clock parameters with modified parameters before UEs can access them. This preventive measure stops potential malicious interference at the source by ensuring UEs never have the capability to determine or manipulate true base station clock values.
3Reliability
If modified clock parameters are provided to UEs instead of true parameters, then network security is enhanced, but parameter accuracy may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the clock parameters from their original true values into modified values through a parameter change process. The location server applies transformations to the true clock parameters to generate modified parameters that maintain the necessary functional properties for positioning while removing sensitive security-critical information. This parameter change enables security enhancement without sacrificing positioning capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, wireless devices and network nodes for adapting PRS transmission to hide the local clock information of base stations. According to one aspect, an exemplary process includes a network node for transmitting PRS. The process includes delaying or advancing the transmission of at least one positioning reference signal in accordance with received offset information wherein delaying or advancing the transmission according to the offset information shifts the transmission of the at least one positioning reference signal away from a scheduled transmission time for the at least one positioning reference signal transmission.