Low-Bandwidth Satellite Messaging with Key Escrow Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face limitations in data speed and bandwidth, particularly when user equipment devices transition from being on-grid to off-grid, leading to increased latency and security risks in data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A communications system incorporating a non-terrestrial network (NTN) and a terrestrial network with an inter-working function (IWF) server to facilitate secure and efficient data routing between user equipment devices, using cryptographic keys and provisioning data to maintain privacy and security while minimizing bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE device transitions from terrestrial network to non-terrestrial network, then coverage and connectivity are improved, but data transmission speed and bandwidth deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data transmission by identifying small data packets (e.g., SMS, IoT messages) suitable for NTN transmission versus larger data requiring terrestrial networks. The UE device and network work together to segment and route appropriate data types through the NTN pathway, optimizing bandwidth usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes transmission parameters by adjusting message formatting, encoding, and size thresholds for NTN transmission. Data is transformed into compact representations suitable for low-bandwidth satellite channels, with dynamic parameter adjustment based on network conditions and data type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data is transmitted over non-terrestrial network with limited bandwidth, then network coverage is improved, but transmission time and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing data into compact formats, pre-establishing encryption keys and security credentials, and pre-buffering small data packets during periods when the UE is connected to terrestrial network. This preparation minimizes processing delays when transmission opportunities arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements skip mechanisms by directly transmitting small data packets through NTN without full terrestrial network routing procedures. Urgent or time-sensitive small messages are rushed through the satellite channel using expedited handling procedures, bypassing unnecessary network delays.
3Reliability
If cryptographic keys and security credentials are transmitted over the network, then secure communication is improved, but bandwidth consumption and transmission time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Security credentials, encryption keys, and authentication data are transmitted and established in advance while the UE device is connected to the high-bandwidth terrestrial network. This preliminary security setup eliminates the need to repeatedly transmit cryptographic materials over the low-bandwidth NTN channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and separates security management functions from the data transmission pathway. Cryptographic operations are handled independently through dedicated signaling channels or pre-established security contexts, removing security overhead from the main data transmission stream and reducing bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications system may include a satellite constellation and a terrestrial network that convey text messages between first and second user equipment (UE) devices. The terrestrial network may include a core network, an inter-working function (IWF) server, and carrier networks. The IWF server may distribute keys and the first UE device may transmit provisioning data to the core network while the first UE device is on-grid. When the first UE device goes off-grid, the first UE device may transmit an escrow key to the core network for use in decrypting a device public key from the provisioning data. The core network may transmit the device public key and other information to the IWF for use in routing messages via the NTN. The core network may use the handles to enforce an allow list that filters traffic to the first UE device over the NTN.