Secure DMRS Pattern Generation for Private Uplink Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack effective methods to secure lower layer protocols, such as the physical layer, which can lead to potential side channel information leakage and compromise privacy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a secure demodulation reference signal (DMRS) pattern generation mechanism using a physical layer key derived from an access stratum key, with randomized patterns and restrictions to enhance privacy by ensuring only intended receivers can decode the signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional DMRS patterns are used in physical layer communications, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is maintained, but privacy security deteriorates due to potential side channel information leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a physical layer key at the access stratum before actual data transmission. This key is derived in advance using a key derivation function, and then used to generate randomized DMRS patterns. The preliminary establishment of security parameters enables subsequent secure communications without real-time computational overhead during data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by transforming the traditional fixed DMRS pattern into a dynamic pattern that changes based on the physical layer key. The DMRS sequence and resource element positions are modified using cryptographic operations (XOR with PDCCH key, selection based on PDSCH key), making the signal parameters variable and secure against eavesdropping while maintaining compatibility with existing reception processes.
2Reliability
If randomized DMRS patterns are implemented using physical layer keys, then privacy security is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional key derivation and pattern generation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the wireless device to autonomously generate its own secure DMRS patterns using locally stored keys and standardized algorithms. The device performs key derivation using established cryptographic functions and generates randomized patterns without requiring network assistance or additional signaling, thereby enhancing security while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Loss of information
If secure DMRS pattern generation is implemented, then information leakage is prevented, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring signal parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the physical layer key as an intermediary that bridges security requirements and signal generation. The key acts as a mediator that transforms standard DMRS sequences into secure patterns through cryptographic operations. This intermediary approach prevents information leakage by ensuring that only authorized devices with the correct key can generate or interpret the secure DMRS patterns, while maintaining structured signal properties for legitimate detection.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer-readable media are disclosed for performing wireless communications. For example, a process can include deriving a physical layer key based on an access stratum key shared with the network node; generating a first demodulation reference signal (DMRS) pattern based on the physical layer key and at least one of one or more DMRS pattern parameters or one or more DMRS pattern restrictions; generating a DMRS signal based on the first DMRS pattern; and transmitting an uplink data transmission based on the generated DMRS signal to the network node, the uplink data transmission including one or more DMRS resource elements (REs) located based on the first DMRS pattern.