Wireless Handoff Security Key Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, seamless and secure handoffs between different communication networks, such as transitioning from LTE to WIFI, are challenging due to differences in signal strength, data rates, and security protocols, which can disrupt continuous data communication and compromise security.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving a secure authorization request from a wireless device, determining and integrating security keys from previous networks to facilitate secure communication across networks, ensuring continuous and secure data transfer by reauthorizing the device with new security keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a wireless device handoffs from one communication network to another overlapping network, then the signal strength or speed may be improved, but the security continuity and communication stability deteriorate due to different security protocols and key management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the wireless device determine the identifier of the previous communication network and retrieve the corresponding previous security key before completing the handoff to the new network. This ensures that security credentials are prepared in advance, allowing seamless transition while maintaining security continuity across networks with different protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the identifier of the previous communication network as an intermediary to bridge security between networks. By using the identifier to retrieve the previous security key, the system creates a secure bridge that allows handoff between networks with different security protocols while maintaining authentication continuity
2Reliability
If security keys are integrated from previous networks during handoff, then security continuity is maintained, but the complexity of authorization processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the wireless device autonomously determine its previous network identifier, retrieve its previous security key, and integrate it with the new network's security requirements. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex centralized coordination during handoff, as the device independently manages its own security credentials across networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal security mechanism that works across different communication networks by integrating previous security keys with new network authorization. The security key integration process serves multiple functions: maintaining authentication continuity, enabling cross-network communication, and simplifying the handoff process despite protocol differences
3Productivity
If the wireless device quickly transitions between networks, then communication efficiency is improved, but the risk of security compromises increases due to incomplete authorization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining and preparing the previous security key before the handoff is completed. This ensures that security credentials are ready in advance, allowing the device to quickly transition between networks without compromising security, as the authorization process is already initiated with the correct credentials
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and software for rolling over a data communication from one communication network to another. In one example, a method of operating a communication network includes receiving a secure authorization request from a wireless device and authorizing the wireless device based on a security key. The method further includes determining an identifier for a previous communication network, identifying a previous security key from the previous communication network, and integrating the previous security key with the security key to facilitate communication for the wireless device.