Signaling-Based Security Function Configuration in Communication Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication apparatuses lack flexibility in configuring security functions, which are typically fixed and tied to communication functions, making them inflexible in adapting to changing application scenarios and security requirements.

Innovation Solution

A communication method and apparatus that allows for independent configuration of security functions through signaling, using first information to determine configuration information, enabling quick and flexible adaptation to changing scenarios and requirements, with entities like a fourth entity, third entity, and second entity interacting to manage and trigger configuration operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the security function is tightly coupled to the communication function and managed by the management plane, then the communication function can be managed centrally, but the security function cannot be flexibly configured or updated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of security function configurationVSAvoidcoupling between security function and communication function

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the security function from the communication function by introducing a separate security function node that can be independently configured and managed. This allows the security function to evolve independently without being constrained by the communication function's management architecture, directly resolving the contradiction between flexibility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a security function node as an intermediary between the communication function and the security requirements. This intermediary can be independently configured through new signaling procedures, enabling flexible security configuration without modifying the core communication function or its management plane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the security function is updated only when the communication apparatus is updated and the network is upgraded, then the system structure remains stable, but the security function cannot adapt to changing application scenarios in real-time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time adaptation to security requirementsVSAvoidtime delay in security function updates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the security function dynamic by enabling real-time configuration and updates through new signaling procedures. The security function node can be updated independently of communication apparatus upgrades, allowing immediate adaptation to changing security requirements without waiting for scheduled network upgrades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables preliminary configuration of security functions before they are needed. The security function node can be pre-configured with new security capabilities through signaling, so when security requirements change, the system can quickly adapt without waiting for communication apparatus updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the security function is fixed and cannot be independently configured, then the system is simple to manage, but the security function cannot meet diverse application scenario requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of security capabilitiesVSAvoidcomplexity of security function management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal security function node that can serve multiple purposes and adapt to different application scenarios. The security function node can be configured with different security capabilities through standardized signaling procedures, making it multi-functional while maintaining manageable complexity through a unified configuration approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260019880A1Communication method and apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

This application discloses a communication method and apparatus. The method includes: A fourth entity sends first information to a first entity, where the first information is used to determine first configuration information of the first entity, and the first configuration information is configuration information used by the first entity to provide a security capability for a third entity. The first entity sends first feedback information, where the first feedback information indicates whether the first entity is successfully configured with the first configuration information. According to the method, the fourth entity can configure the first entity based on the first information, so that the first entity can be configured quickly and flexibly.