Relay Communication Security Selection via CP/UP Capability Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the context of 5G ProSe security, there is a lack of clear guidance on how a UE selects between control plane (CP) based and user plane (UP) based security procedures for relay discovery and communication, leading to inefficiencies and potential compatibility issues.

Innovation Solution

A method where terminals and network elements exchange capability information indicating support for CP or UP based security procedures, allowing for selection and triggering of appropriate security protocols for relay discovery and communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the UE autonomously selects between CP-based and UP-based security procedures, then the selection flexibility is improved, but the compatibility and reliability deteriorate due to lack of clear guidance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselection flexibilityVSAvoidcompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network provides capability information to the UE indicating which security procedures are supported, and the UE feeds back its selection. This feedback mechanism ensures that the UE's autonomous selection aligns with network capabilities, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and compatibility by making the selection process informed and coordinated rather than purely autonomous

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The capability information exchange acts as an intermediary mechanism between the UE and network. This intermediary ensures that both parties are aware of supported security procedures before selection, preventing compatibility issues while preserving the UE's ability to select from available options

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If capability information exchange is implemented, then the reliability of security procedure selection is improved, but the signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity procedure compatibilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The capability information exchange is performed partially - only when needed for relay communication setup. The network provides capability information in specific scenarios (relay discovery, relay communication establishment) rather than continuously, reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining reliability when required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Capability information is exchanged in advance during relay discovery and communication establishment procedures, before actual security procedures are executed. This preliminary action ensures compatibility is established upfront, preventing retransmissions and corrections that would increase overall signaling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250317725A1Method for relay communication, and terminal

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD

AI summary

A method for relay communication is performed by a first terminal, and the method includes: sending capability information, the capability information being used for indicating at least one of the following: supporting an option of a control plane (CP) based security procedure or supporting an option of a user plane (UP) based security procedure, in which the CP based security procedure or the UP based security procedure comprises a security procedure for relay discovery and/or relay communication.