Integrity Protection for Ranging Messages Using Long-Term Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication networks, especially in scenarios where a user equipment (UE) is outside the coverage of the mobile communication network, there is a challenge in ensuring the integrity protection of ranging open discovery messages due to the inability to update discovery keys.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for transmitting information, where a first UE determines an integrity protection key for a ranging announcement message based on long-term key information sent from a core network, allowing the integrity protection of the message even when the UE cannot obtain a discovery key from the mobile communication network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UE uses traditional discovery key for integrity protection of ranging announcement message, then integrity protection can be maintained when UE is within network coverage, but integrity protection fails when UE is outside network coverage and cannot obtain discovery key
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a long-term key as an intermediary alternative when the discovery key (mediator for integrity protection) becomes unavailable. The long-term key stored in the UE serves as a backup mediator to perform integrity protection on ranging announcement messages when the UE is outside network coverage and cannot obtain updated discovery keys from the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the UE store long-term key information in advance before leaving network coverage. This pre-stored key enables the UE to maintain integrity protection capabilities without real-time network connection, allowing the ranging announcement messages to be protected even when disconnected from the mobile communication network.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a UE remains outside network coverage to maintain connectivity, then direct communication can continue, but discovery key cannot be updated leading to security vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE obtain and store long-term key information from the core network before transitioning to out-of-coverage operation. This pre-prepared key ensures that when the UE remains outside network coverage for extended periods, it can still maintain security for ranging announcement messages without needing to periodically reconnect for key updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the UE to autonomously perform integrity protection using its stored long-term key without requiring real-time network assistance. The UE independently generates integrity protection for ranging announcement messages using its own stored credentials, eliminating the need for continuous network connection for security key maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for improving the reliability of a wireless communication network. The reliability of the wireless communication network is improved by: determining an integrity protection key of a ranging announcement message according to long-term key information sent from a core network, where the integrity protection key is configured to replace a discovery key for integrity protection of the ranging announcement message in a case where the first UE is unable to obtain the discovery key from a mobile communication network.