RRC-Inactive Random Access Ciphering for Secure Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, there is a challenge in efficiently managing data transmission and control information in the RRC INACTIVE state due to limited resources, particularly in overcoming latency and delay, especially for applications that require high performance and security.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for performing data transmission in the RRC INACTIVE state by generating first and second data, triggering a random access procedure, and transitioning to the RRC CONNECTED state based on contention resolution success, with ciphering applied differently for each data type to ensure secure transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ciphering is applied to RRC messages during random access procedure in RRC_INACTIVE state, then security is improved, but decoding problems occur in the network

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddecoding problem
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of ciphering application based on the timing relative to contention resolution. Before contention resolution, ciphering is not applied (using one parameter state). After contention resolution succeeds, ciphering is applied (switching to another parameter state). This dynamic parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting the security level to the appropriate stage of the random access procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the first RA procedure is continued without interruption, then transmission efficiency is improved, but security risks increase when second data is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the random access procedure by allowing the UE to switch between continuing the first RA procedure and stopping it to start a second RA procedure. This dynamic adaptation based on the generation timing of second data resolves the contradiction by flexibly adjusting the procedure flow to balance efficiency and security requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the random access procedure into two distinct paths: one for data that can be transmitted in RRC_INACTIVE state (continue first RA procedure), and another for data that cannot be transmitted in RRC_INACTIVE state (stop first RA procedure and start second RA procedure). This segmentation allows the system to handle different data types with appropriate security measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of time

If the UE transitions to RRC_CONNECTED state immediately, then latency is reduced, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by allowing the UE to transmit only the necessary RRC Resume Request message in the first RA procedure when in RRC_INACTIVE state, rather than immediately establishing a full RRC connection. This partial transition reduces resource consumption while still addressing the immediate transmission need, and the full connection is established only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4289221B1Method and apparatus of performing random access procedure for data transmission in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4289221B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4289221B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~4(b)
  • EP4289221B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method of performing data transmissions in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) INACTIVE state by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system. Especially, the method includes the steps of generating a first data that can be transmitted in the RRC_INACTIVE state; triggering a first random access (RA) procedure for transmitting the first data in the RRC_INACTIVE state; generating a second data that cannot be transmitted in the RRC_INACTIVE state while the first RA procedure is ongoing; and transmitting a RRC message for transitioning to a RRC CONNECTED state, wherein applying ciphering to the RRC message is determined based on whether the second data being generated after a contention resolution succeeds related to the first RA procedure or not.