Sidelink Key Derivation Using Shared Information Between UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack efficient methods for securing device-to-device (D2D) communication, particularly in sidelink communications, which are crucial for ensuring secure data exchange between user equipment (UEs) in wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for deriving physical layer keys using shared information between UEs, facilitated by a network node, to establish secure sidelink communication, involving the exchange of first and second level shared information for key derivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wireless communication security methods are used, then network coverage and connectivity are maintained, but security for sidelink communications is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key derivation process into two distinct levels: first-level shared information (broadcast by network node) and second-level shared information (exchanged between UEs). This segmentation allows each level to serve specific security functions while maintaining overall system security without requiring complex centralized key management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the network node broadcast first-level shared information before sidelink communication occurs. This pre-distributed information serves as a foundation for subsequent key derivation, enabling UEs to establish secure communication without real-time network intervention
2Reliability
If secure key derivation is implemented for sidelink communication, then data integrity and privacy are protected, but communication overhead increases due to information exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the key derivation process with existing sidelink communication protocols. The first-level shared information is broadcast through existing network infrastructure, and second-level information is exchanged during normal communication setup, avoiding separate overhead channels while ensuring data integrity
3Productivity
If physical layer key derivation is implemented, then security efficiency is improved, but implementation complexity at physical layer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses higher-layer protocols as intermediaries to manage the complexity of physical layer key derivation. The network node and UEs exchange control information at higher layers that guides the physical layer key derivation process, simplifying physical layer implementation while maintaining security efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a first user equipment (UE) may receive, from a network node, an indication of first level shared information, that is shared between at least the first UE and a second UE, for deriving a security key from common sidelink information. The first UE may determine second level shared information, that is shared between the first UE and the second UE, for deriving the security key from the common sidelink information. The first UE may communicate with the second UE using the security key derived from the common sidelink information based at least in part on the first level shared information and the second level shared information. Numerous other aspects are described.