Wireless Control Information Security Overhead Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing control information in wireless communication networks, particularly MAC signaling headers, result in significant overhead, making them inefficient for secure transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for securing control information in wireless communication environments by generating and using distinct security keys, counters, and cipher-based message authentication codes (CMAC) tailored for different types of control information, including MAC signaling headers, to minimize overhead while ensuring security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control messages are protected using CMAC algorithm with security information appended, then security is improved, but message overhead increases by 12 bytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control information into two categories: control messages (which use traditional CMAC protection with 12-byte overhead) and MAC signaling headers (which use a new lightweight protection method). This segmentation allows different protection strategies for different types of control information, reducing overall overhead while maintaining security for both types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different security protection qualities to different parts of control information. MAC signaling headers receive a simplified protection mechanism with reduced overhead, while control messages receive the full CMAC protection. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between security and overhead for each specific case.
2Productivity
If MAC signaling headers are transmitted in unsecured manner, then transmission efficiency is improved, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the security parameters for MAC signaling headers by using a simplified protection mechanism that adds minimal overhead. Instead of the traditional 12-byte CMAC protection, it uses a compact security field with counter and CMAC values that maintains security while preserving transmission efficiency.
3Reliability
If security information is appended to control messages, then protection against replay attacks is improved, but packet size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security information requirements between control messages and MAC signaling headers. Control messages use the traditional security information structure, while MAC signaling headers use a streamlined security field that provides replay attack protection with minimal size increase, thus reducing overall packet size while maintaining protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for securely communicating control information in a wireless network environment is provided. When a transmitting station has to transmit control information to a receiving station, the transmitting station determines whether the control information belongs to first type or second type. If the control information is the second type of control information, the transmitting station secures the second type of control information using a counter value, a Cipher based Message Authentication Code (CMAC) value and security keys computed for protecting the second type of control information. Upon securing the control information, the transmitting station transmits the secured control information to a receiving station.