Security Key Management for Conditional PSCell Changes in 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing security keys for continuous conditional primary secondary cell group cell (PSCell) changes, leading to unnecessary RRC signaling and reduced dynamic operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow user equipment (UE) to receive configuration information for subsequent PSCell additions or changes from a master node, generating and managing security keys based on sk-counters to enable continuous PSCell operations without additional RRC configurations, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling and enhancing dynamic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If security keys are managed using traditional RRC signaling for each PSCell change, then security is maintained, but signaling overhead increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple security keys (K1, K2, K3) and their corresponding sk-counters before PSCell changes occur. The network provides the UE with a list of security keys and counters in advance, allowing the UE to autonomously select and use the appropriate key without requiring RRC signaling during each PSCell change, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the UE to autonomously manage security key selection based on pre-configured sk-counters. The UE automatically selects the appropriate security key from the pre-provided list based on the current sk-counter value, eliminating the need for network-controlled key management signaling during PSCell changes, thereby improving operational efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple security keys are pre-configured for continuous conditional PSCell changes, then dynamic operation capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing sk-counters that automatically increment to select different security keys from the pre-configured list. This systematic parameter change mechanism simplifies the management of multiple security keys by providing a clear, automated selection rule based on counter values, reducing the perceived complexity while enhancing dynamic operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the security key management into discrete, manageable units - each security key is associated with a specific sk-counter range. This segmentation allows the UE to handle multiple security keys in an organized manner, where each key-counter pair represents a distinct segment, making the overall system more manageable despite the increased number of keys.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5th generation (5G) or 6th generation (6G) communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving, from a master node (MN), configuration information associated with subsequent conditional primary secondary cell group cell (PSCell) addition or change (SCPAC), the configuration information includes sk-counter list including a plurality of sk-counters, and executing the SCPAC for a first PSCell associated with a secondary node based on the configuration information, wherein a first security key for the secondary node is generated based on a first sk-counter among the plurality of sk-counters.