Relay Service Code Encryption for Private 5G Relay Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular communication systems face privacy issues and security risks in relay UE selection due to the exposure of sensitive network slice information, particularly in out-of-coverage scenarios, where relay UEs can track and potentially misuse PDU session information, leading to unauthorized access and tracking of remote UEs.
Innovation Solution
Implement a mechanism using a Network Relay Function (NRF) to encrypt and manage Relay Service Codes (RSCs) through a key system, ensuring only the mobile device can decrypt the RSCs, thereby protecting PDU session information and preventing unauthorized tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If relay UEs are used to provide indirect connections for out-of-coverage UEs, then connectivity is improved, but privacy and security deteriorate due to exposure of PDU session information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Network Relay Function (NRF) as an intermediary between the UE and relay UEs. The NRF manages Relay Service Codes and provides them to UEs through a key system, acting as a mediator that protects sensitive PDU session information while enabling relay connectivity. This intermediary prevents direct exposure of privacy-critical information to relay UEs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts sensitive PDU session information from the relay selection process by separating the Relay Service Code (which identifies relay capabilities) from the actual PDU session details. The NRF extracts and manages only the necessary relay identification information, leaving sensitive session information hidden, thus reducing privacy exposure while maintaining connectivity functionality.
2Productivity
If Relay Service Codes are transmitted in clear text for relay discovery, then relay selection efficiency is improved, but security deteriorates due to tracking risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring UEs with keys in the USIM card before relay discovery occurs. This allows the UE to encrypt Relay Service Codes using these pre-installed keys, ensuring security is established before any relay discovery or selection takes place, thus maintaining both efficiency and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter state of Relay Service Codes from unencrypted to encrypted form during transmission. By applying encryption transformation to the RSC parameter, the system maintains the efficiency of relay selection (UEs can still identify suitable relays) while improving security (encrypted RSCs prevent tracking and unauthorized access).
Data Source
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AI summary
A cellular communication system supports a Network Relay Function (140) for managing the indirect connections. A mobile device (110) may send a request message to a relay device (120), the request message including a relay service code (associated with a set of privacy sensitive PDU session parameters). The relay device receives the request message and sends a transfer request message to the cellular communication system indicating a request to transfer data via an indirect connection and including the requested relay service code. The Network Relay Function receives the transfer request message, determines a different relay service code to be used instead of the requested relay service code; and sends a transfer response message including the different relay service code in an encrypted manner that allows it to be decrypted by the mobile device, but not the relay device; and forwarding by the relay device the encrypted different relay service code to the mobile device in a response to the request message.