Relay Key Verification for Secure 5G ProSe Relay Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G ProSe communication, there is a risk of security degradation and resource waste due to UEs not using the correct security manner for discovery and communication, as indicated by the configuration of the U2N relay discovery parameter, leading to trust issues and inefficient network resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for relay UEs to verify and establish a relay connection using pre-configured security manners by sending a relay key request message to a network device, receiving a response, and ensuring both UEs use the pre-configured security for secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UEs use optional security methods (CP-based or UP-based) for relay communication, then security flexibility is improved, but security reliability deteriorates due to incorrect security manner selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network device verifies whether the UE is using the correct security manner through relay key request and response messages. The network device sends verification requests to the relay UE, which then verifies the security manner with the remote UE and responds with verification results, allowing the network to monitor and correct security configuration issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs security manner verification in advance before actual relay communication takes place. The relay key request message triggers verification of the security configuration, ensuring that the correct security manner is established before data transmission begins, preventing security issues during communication.
2Device complexity
If UEs do not use pre-configured security manners, then device complexity is reduced, but security reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The relay UE autonomously verifies its own security manner configuration by interacting with the remote UE and network device. The relay UE sends relay key request messages, receives verification requests, and performs self-verification of security settings without requiring manual configuration or external intervention, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If network devices verify security manners for all relay connections, then security reliability is improved, but network signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective verification where the network device verifies security manners for relay connections that require it, rather than all connections universally. The verification is triggered by relay key request messages only when needed, performing partial verification action to balance security requirements with signaling overhead reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing method is executed by a relay user equipment (UE), and includes: receiving a direct communication request message sent by a remote UE; sending a relay key request message to a first network device according to the direct communication request message; wherein the relay key request message is configured to trigger the first network device to verify whether at least one of the relay UE or the remote UE uses a pre-configured security manner to establish a relay connection; and receiving a relay key response message sent by the first network device.