Mobile communication method and mobile station

The present invention relates to a mobile communication method for communicating between a mobile station and a radio base station using a certain key.

A conventional mobile communication system of the LTE (Long Term Evolution) scheme specified by the 3GPP is configured to communicate between a mobile station UE and a radio base station eNB, by using a certain key.

The certain key includes, for example, a key K RRC — Ciph used for “Ciphering” in an RRC protocol, which is a C-plane protocol between the mobile station UE and the radio base station eNB (Access Stratum, AS), a key K RRC — IP used for “Integrity Protection” in the RRC protocol, and a key K UP — Ciph used for “Ciphering” in a U-plane protocol between the mobile station UE and the radio base station eNB (Access Stratum, AS) and the like. These certain keys are generated using a first key K eNB .

Using the same key as any of the certain keys and the first key K eNB for a long time is not preferable, because it makes the system's security vulnerable. For this reason, a procedure for updating such a certain key or a first key K eNB during handover is devised by the 3GPP.

Here, operations of a handover target radio base station (Target eNB) acquiring a first key K eNB ** used for generating a certain key in the handover procedure of the mobile station UE are described referring to FIG. 12 .

As shown in FIG. 12 , first, a handover source radio base station (Source eNB) generates an intermediate key K eNB * based on a stored first key K eNB , a parameter “Next Hop”, a parameter “Handover Type” representing the parameter type and a parameter “Target PCI” representing the identification information of a handover target cell.

Secondly, the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) transmits the generated intermediate key K eNB * to the handover target radio base station (Target eNB).

Thirdly, the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) generates, based on the received intermediate key K eNB * and “C-RNTI (Cell Radio Network Temporary ID)” allocated by the handover target cell, a first key K eNB ** used for generating a certain key in the handover target radio station (Target eNB).

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, as described above, in the handover procedure of the conventional mobile communication system, there is a problem that both handover source radio base station (Source eNB) and handover target radio base station (Target eNB) have to use a plurality of parameters and functions to generate a first key K eNB ** used in the handover target radio station (Target eNB).

In particular, there is a problem that the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) and the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) have to use K eNB conversion functions (Key Derivation Function, KDF) different in parameters for each of the stations, and the mobile station UE also has be provided with the KDFs, whereby the procedure is complicated.

Furthermore, it is cumbersome that K eNB needs to be updated according to PCI (Physical Cell ID) of the handover target radio base station.

Furthermore, there is a restriction in flexibly changing the allocation of C-RNTI, since K eNB needs to be updated according to C-RNTI.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication method with which a first key used in a handover target radio base station (Target eNB) can be generated through a simplified procedure.

Solution to Problem

A first aspect of the present invention is summarized as a mobile communication method in which a mobile station performs a handover from a handover source radio base station to a handover target radio base station, the mobile communication method including the steps of: (A) acquiring, at the handover target radio base station, from the handover source radio base station or a switching center, a key for calculating a first key for generating a certain key used in a communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station; and (B) acquiring, at the handover target radio base station, from the switching center, a second key for calculating a first key for generating a certain key used in a communication between a next handover target radio base station and the mobile station.

In the first aspect, the mobile communication method can further include the step of: (C) updating, at the mobile station, upon receiving a handover command signal from the handover source radio base station, a first key for generating a certain key used in a communication between the handover source radio base station and the mobile station, to the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station.

In the first aspect, in the step (C), the mobile station can update the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover source radio base station and the mobile station, to the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station, based on a parameter included in the handover command signal.

In the first aspect, the step (C) can include the steps of: (C 1 ) generating, at the mobile station, the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station based on the parameter included in the handover command signal, when the parameter is incremented; and (C 2 ) generating, at the mobile station, the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station based on the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover source radio base station and the mobile station, when the parameter included in the handover command signal is not incremented.

In the first aspect, in the step (C 1 ), when the parameter included in the handover command signal is incremented, the mobile station can update, based on the parameter, a second key for calculating the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station, and can generate the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station based on the updated second key.

In the first aspect, the parameter can be KI.

In the first aspect, the mobile communication method can further include the step of: (D) storing, at the mobile station, the received parameter.

A second aspect of the present invention is summarized as a radio base station which functions as a handover target radio base station when a mobile station performs a handover from a handover source radio base station to the handover target radio base station, the radio base station including: a first acquiring unit configured to acquire, from the handover source radio base station, a key for calculating a first key for generating a certain key used in a communication between the handover target radio base and the mobile station; and a second acquiring unit configured to acquire, from a switching center, a second key for calculating a first key for generating a certain key used in a communication between a next handover target radio base station and the mobile station.

A third aspect of the present invention is summarized as a mobile station which performs a handover from a handover source radio base station to a handover target radio base station, the mobile station including: a key updating unit configured to update, upon receiving a handover command signal from the handover source radio base station, a first key for generating a certain key used in a communication between the handover source radio base station and the mobile station, to a first key for generating a certain key used in a communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station.

In the third aspect, the key updating unit can be configured to update, based on a parameter included in the handover command signal, the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover source radio base station and the mobile station, to the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover target radio base and the mobile station.

In the third aspect, the key updating unit can be configured to generate, when the parameter included in the handover command signal is incremented, the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station, based on the parameter; and the key updating unit can be configured to generate, when the parameter included in the handover command signal is not incremented, the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station, based on the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover source radio base station and the mobile station.

In the third aspect, the key updating unit can be configured to update, when a parameter included in the handover command signal is incremented, a second key for calculating the first key for generating the certain key used in the communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station, based on the parameter, and to generate the first key for generating certain keys used in the communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station, based on the updated second key.

In the third aspect, the parameter can be KI.

In the third aspect, the key updating unit can be configured to store the received parameter.

Effect of the Invention

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mobile communication method with which a first key used in a handover target radio base station (Target eNB) can be generated through a simplified procedure.

FIG. 1 is an overall configurational view of a mobile communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hierarchical structure and a calculation procedure of a key used in the mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an initial establishment procedure in the mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an X 2 handover procedure in the mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an S 1 handover procedure in the mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an Intra-eNB handover procedure in the mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an S 1 handover procedure in a mobile communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an exemplary hierarchical structure and calculation procedure of keys used in a mobile communication system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an X 2 handover procedure in the mobile communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an S 1 handover procedure in the mobile communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an Intra-eNB handover procedure in the mobile communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an exemplary calculation procedure of keys used in a mobile communication system according to a conventional technique.

(Mobile Communication System According to First Embodiment of the Present Invention)

A mobile communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 .

The mobile communication system according to this embodiment is a mobile communication system to which the LTE scheme is applied, and includes a plurality of switching centers MME# 1 , MME# 2 , . . . and a plurality of radio base stations eNB# 11 , eNB# 12 , eNB# 21 , eNB# 22 , . . . .

For example, a mobile station UE is configured to communicate, in the cell # 111 under the control of the radio base station eNB# 11 , with the radio base station eNB# 11 using a certain key described above.

Furthermore, in the handover procedure of the mobile station UE, the handover target radio base station (for example, the radio base station eNB# 12 ) is configured to acquire first keys K eNB [n+1], K eNB [n+2] and the like for generating certain keys used in a communication with the mobile station UE, without using an intermediate key K eNB * generated by the handover source radio base station (for example, the radio base station eNB# 11 ).

FIG. 2 shows an example of the hierarchical structure and the calculation procedure of a key used in the mobile communication system according to this embodiment (that is, a key used to calculate the certain key).

As shown in FIG. 2 , a key K RRC — IP used for “Integrity Protection” in the RRC protocol, a key K RRC — Ciph used for “Ciphering” in the RRC protocol, and a key K UP — Ciph used for “Ciphering” in the U-plane of AS are generated using a first key K eNB [n].

The first key K eNB [n] is calculated by using a master key K ASME from the formulas given below.

K eNB [0 ]=KDF 0 ( K ASME ,NAS SN )

K eNB [n+ 1 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n ]),( n≧ 0)

Here, the master key K ASME is known only to the mobile station UE and the switching center MME, but must not be known to the radio base station eNB.

Furthermore, the NAS SN is a sequence number (SN) of a NAS protocol which is the C-plane protocol between the mobile station UE and the switching center MME (Non Access Stratum, NAS).

Hereafter, operations of the mobile communication system according to this embodiment are described referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 .

First, an initial establishment procedure in the mobile communication system according to this embodiment is described referring to FIG. 3 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , before starting the initial establishment procedure, the mobile station UE holds K ASME (in step S 101 ), the radio base station eNB holds no keys used for generating certain keys (in step S 102 ), and the switching center MME holds K ASME (in step S 103 ).

In step S 104 , the mobile station UE transmits “RRC Connection Request (RRC connection request signal)” to the radio base station eNB, and in step S 105 , the radio base station eNB transmits “RRC Connection Setup (RRC connection setup signal)” to the mobile station UE.

In step S 106 , the mobile station UE transmits “RRC Connection Setup Complete (RRC connection setup complete signal)” to the radio base station eNB and “NAS Service Request (NAS service request signal)” including “NAS SN (sequence number of NAS)”.

In step S 107 , the radio base station eNB transmits “S 1 Initial UE Message” and “NAS Service Request (NAS service request signal)” including “NAS SN” to the switching center MME.

In step S 108 , the switching center MME calculates K eNB [0] and K eNB [1] from the formulas given below.

K eNB [0 ]=KDF 0 ( K ASME ,NAS SN )

K eNB [1 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [0])

In step S 109 , the switching center MME transmits “S 1 Initial UE Context Setup (initial UE context setup signal)” including K eNB [0], K eNB [1] and “NAS SN” to the radio Base station eNB. Furthermore, “KI (=0)” may or may not be included in this message.

In step S 110 , the radio base station eNB transmits “RRC Security Mode Command (RRC security mode command signal)” including “NAS SN” to the mobile station UE.

In step S 111 , the mobile station UE calculates K eNB [0] from the formula given below.

K eNB [0 ]=KDF 0 ( K ASME ,NAS SN )

Furthermore, the mobile station UE calculates K RRC — IP , K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [0], and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

In this stage, the mobile station UE holds K eNB [0], and “KI (=0)” (in step S 114 ), the radio base station eNB holds K eNB [0], K eNB [1] and “KI (=0)” (in step S 113 ), and the switching center MME holds K ASME , K eNB [1] and “KI (=0)” (in step S 112 ).

If “KI (=0)” is not included in the “S 1 Initial UE Context Setup (initial UE context setup signal)” in step S 109 , the radio base station eNB may initialize “KI (=0)” automatically by receiving the above message.

Furthermore, the radio base station eNB calculates K RRC — IP , K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [0], and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

In step S 115 , the radio base station eNB transmits “RRC Connection Reconfiguration (RRC connection reconfiguration signal)” to the mobile station UE.

In steps S 116 and S 117 , the mobile station UE respectively transmits “RRC Security Mode Command Complete (RRC security mode command complete signal)” and “RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete (RRC connection reconfiguration complete signal)” to the radio base station eNB.

In step S 118 , the radio base station eNB transmits “S 1 Initial UE Context Setup Complete (initial UE context setup complete signal)” to the switching center MME.

Through the above procedure, all keys necessary for protection of AS communication (integrity protection and ciphering) are prepared at the mobile station UE, the radio base station eNB and the switching center MME.

Secondly, an X 2 handover procedure (handover procedure between different radio base stations) in the mobile communication system according to this embodiment is described referring to FIG. 4 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , before starting the X 2 handover procedure, the mobile station UE holds K eNB [n] and “KI (=n)” (in step S 1001 ), the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) holds K eNB [n], K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n)” (in step S 1002 ), and the switching center MME holds K ASME , K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n)” (in step S 1003 ).

In step S 1004 , if predetermined conditions are satisfied, the mobile station UE transmits “RRC Measurement Report (measurement report signal)” to the handover source radio base station (Source eNB).

In step S 1005 , the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) transmits “X 2 HO Preparation (handover preparation signal)” including K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n+1)” to the handover target radio base station (Target eNB).

In step S 1006 , the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) stores the received K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n+1)”, and in step S 1007 , transmits “X 2 HO Preparation Ack (handover preparation acknowledge signal)” to the handover source radio base station (Source eNB).

Furthermore, the radio base station eNB calculates K RRC — IP K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [n+1] and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

In step S 1008 , the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) transmits “RRC HO Command (handover command signal)” to the mobile station UE.

In step S 1009 , the mobile station UE calculates K eNB [n+1] from the formula given below, and in step S 1010 , stores K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n+1)”.

K eNB [n+ 1 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n ])

Furthermore, the mobile station UE calculates K RRC — IP , K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [n+1] and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

In step S 1011 , the mobile station UE transmits “RRC HO Complete (handover complete signal)” to the handover target radio base station (Target eNB).

In step S 1012 , the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) transmits “S 1 Path Switch (path switch signal)” including “KI (=n+1)” to the switching center MME.

In step S 1013 , the switching center MME calculates K eNB [n+2] from the formula given below, and in step S 1014 , stores K eNB [n+2] and “KI (=n+1)”.

K eNB [n+ 2 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n+ 1])

In step S 1015 , the switching center MME transmits “S 1 Patch Switch Ack (path switch acknowledge signal)” including K eNB [n+2] and “KI (=n+1)” to the handover target radio base station (Target eNB).

In step S 1016 , the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) stores K eNB [n+1], K eNB [n+2] and “KI (=n+1)”.

Through the above procedure, K eNB and certain keys are updated in the X 2 handover.

Thirdly, an S 1 handover procedure (handover procedure between different switching centers) in the mobile communication system according to this embodiment is described referring to FIG. 5 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , before starting the S 1 handover procedure, the mobile station UE holds K eNB [n] and “KI (=n)” (in step S 2001 ), the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) holds K eNB [n], K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n)” (in step S 2002 ), and the switching center MME holds K ASME , K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n)” (in step S 2003 ).

In step S 2004 , if predetermined conditions are satisfied, the mobile station UE transmits “RRC Measurement Report (measurement report signal)” to the handover source radio base station (Source eNB).

In step S 2005 , the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) transmits “S 1 HO Required (handover request receipt signal)” including K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n+1)” to the handover source switching center (source MME).

In step S 2006 , the handover source switching center (Source MME) transmits “Relocation Request (relocation request signal)” including K ASME , K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n+1)” to the handover target switching center (Target MME).

In step S 2007 , the handover target switching center (Target MME) calculates K eNB [n+2] from the formula given below, and in step S 2008 , stores K eNB [n+2] and “KI (=n+1)”.

K eNB [n+ 2 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n+ 1])

In step S 2009 , the handover target switching center (Target MME) transmits “S 1 HO Request (handover request signal)” including K eNB [n+1], K eNB [n+2] and “KI (=n+1)” to the handover target radio base station (Target eNB).

In step S 2010 , the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) transmits “S 1 HO Request Ack (handover request acknowledge signal)” to the handover target switching center (Target MME).

In step S 2011 , the handover target switching center (Target MME) transmits “Relocation Request Ack (relocation request acknowledge signal)” including “KI (=n+1)” to the handover source switching center (Source MME).

In step S 2012 , the handover source switching center (Source MME) transmits “S 1 HO Required Ack (handover request receipt acknowledge signal)” including “KI (=n+1)” to the handover source radio base station (Source eNB).

In step S 2013 , the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) transmits “RRC HO Command (handover command signal)” to the mobile station UE.

In step S 2014 , the mobile station UE calculates K eNB [n+1] from the following formula, and in step S 2015 , stores K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n+1)”.

K eNB [n+ 1 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n ])

Furthermore, the mobile station UE calculates K RRC — IP , K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph on the basis of K eNB [n+1] and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

At this stage, the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) holds K eNB [n+1], K eNB [n+2] and “KI (=n+1)” (in step S 2016 ). The radio base station eNB calculates K RRC — IP , K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [n+1], and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

In step S 2017 , the mobile station UE transmits “RRC HO Complete (handover complete signal)” to the handover target radio base station (Target eNB).

In step S 2018 , the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) transmits “S 1 HO Complete (handover complete signal)” to the handover target switching center (Target MME).

In step S 2019 , the handover target switching center (Target MME) transmits “Relocation Complete (relocation complete signal)” to the handover source switching center (Source MME), and in step S 2020 , the handover source switching center (Source MME) transmits “Relocation Complete Ack (relocation complete acknowledge signal)” to the handover target switching center (Target MME).

Through the above procedure, K eNB and certain keys are updated in the S 1 handover.

Operations of the mobile station UE in the S 1 handover procedure are same as operations in the X 2 handover procedure shown in FIG. 3 . Based on the same processing, the mobile station UE is capable of performing both X 2 and S 1 handover procedures. That is, the mobile station UE is capable of performing a handover regardless of whether the handover type is “X 2 handover” or “S 1 handover”.

Fourthly, an Intra-eNB handover procedure (inter-radio base station handover procedure) in the mobile communication system according to this embodiment is described referring to FIG. 6 .

As shown in FIG. 6 , before starting the Intra-eNB handover procedure, the mobile station UE holds K eNB [n] and “KI (=n)” (in step S 4001 ), the radio base station (Source eNB) holds K eNB [n], K eNB [n+1.] and “KI (=n)” (in step S 4002 ), and the switching center MME holds K ASME , K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n)” (in step S 4003 ).

In step S 4004 , if predetermined conditions are satisfied, the mobile station UE transmits “RRC Measurement Report (measurement report signal)” to the radio base station (Source eNB).

In step S 4005 , the radio base station (Source eNB) transmits “RRC HO Command (handover command signal)” to the mobile station UE.

In step S 4006 , the mobile station UE calculates K eNB [n+1] from the formula given below, and in step S 4007 , stores K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n+1)”.

K eNB [n+ 1 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n ])

Furthermore, the mobile station UE calculates K RRC — IP K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [n+1] and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

At this stage, the radio base station (Source eNB) holds K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n+1)” (in step S 4008 ). The radio base station eNB calculates K RRC — IP , K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [n+1] and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

In step S 4009 , the mobile station UE transmits “RRC HO Complete (handover complete signal)” to the radio base station (Source eNB).

In step S 4010 , the radio base station (Source eNB) transmits “S 1 Path Switch (path switch signal)” including “KI (=n+1)” to the switching center MME.

In step S 4011 , the switching center MME calculates K eNB [n+2] from the formula given below, and in step S 4012 , stores K ASME , K eNB [n+2] and “KI (=n+1)”.

K eNB [n+ 2 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n+ 1])

In step S 4013 , the switching center MME transmits “S 1 Path Switch Ack (path switch acknowledge signal)” including K eNB [n+2] and “KI (=n+1)” to the radio base station (Source eNB).

In step S 4014 , the radio base station (Source eNB) stores K eNB [n+1] K eNB [n+2] and “KI (=n+1)”. At this stage, the mobile station UE holds K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n+1)” (in step S 4015 ).

Through the above procedure, K eNB and certain keys are updated in the Intra-NB handover.

Operations of the mobile station UE in the Intra-eNB handover procedure are same as operations in the X 2 handover procedure shown in FIG. 3 and in the S 1 handover procedure shown in FIG. 4 . Based on the same processing, the mobile station UE is capable of performing all of X 2 , S 1 and Intra-eNB handover procedures. That is, the mobile station UE is capable of performing a handover with regardless of whether the handover type is “X 2 handover”, “S 1 handover” or “Intra-eNB handover”

(Advantageous Effects of Mobile Communication System According to First Embodiment of the Present Invention)

In the mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, K eNB [n+1] and the like used in the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) can be generated through a simplified procedure.

Furthermore, in the mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, there is no need to change operations of the mobile station UE in a handover procedure regardless of the handover type (X 2 handover, S 1 handover or Intra-eNB handover).

(Mobile Communication System According to Second Embodiment of the Present Invention)

Referring to FIG. 7 , a mobile communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described by focusing on differences from the above described mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, the S 1 handover procedure (handover procedure between different switching centers) in the mobile communication system according to this embodiment is described referring to FIG. 7 .

As shown in FIG. 7 , operations in step S 3001 to step S 3006 are same as operations in step S 2001 to step S 2006 shown in FIG. 5 .

In step S 3007 , the handover target switching center (Target MME) calculates K eNB [n+3] from the formulas given below, and in step S 3008 , stores K eNB [n+3] and “KI (=n+2)”.

K eNB [n+ 2 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n+ 1])

K eNB [n+ 3 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n+ 2])

In step S 3009 , the handover target switching center (Target MME) transmits “S 1 HO Request (handover request signal)” including K eNB [n+2], K eNB [n+3] and “KI (=n+2)” to the handover target radio base station (Target eNB).

In step S 3010 , the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) transmits “S 1 HO Request Ack (handover request acknowledge signal)” to the handover target switching center (Target MME).

In step S 3011 , the handover target switching center (Target MME) transmits “Relocation Request Ack (relocation request acknowledge signal)” including “KI (=n+2)” to the handover source switching center (Source MME).

In step S 3012 , the handover source switching center (Source MME) transmits “S 1 HO Required Ack (handover request receipt acknowledge signal)” including “KI (=n+2)” to the handover source radio base station (Source eNB).

In step S 3013 , the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) transmits “RRC HO Command (handover command signal)” to the mobile station UE. This message may include information indicating “KI (=n+2)”.

In step S 3014 , the mobile station UE calculates K eNB [n+2] from the formulas given below, and in step S 3015 , stores K eNB [n+2] and “KI (=n+2)”.

K eNB [n+ 1 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n ])

K eNB [n+ 2 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n+ 1])

Furthermore, the mobile station UE calculates K RRC — IP K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [n+2] and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

At this stage, the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) holds K eNB [n+2], K eNB [n+3] and “KI (=n+1)” (in step S 3016 ). The radio base station eNB calculates K RRC — IP K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [n+2] and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

Hereafter, operations in step S 3017 to step S 3020 are same as operations in step S 2017 to step S 2020 shown in FIG. 5 .

Through the above procedure, certain keys and K eNB used in the AS communication in the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) becomes unidentifiable to the handover source radio base station (Source eNB), whereby system's security is improved.

(Mobile Communication System According to Third Embodiment of the Present Invention)

Referring to FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 , a mobile communication system according to a third embodiment of the present invention is described by focusing on differences from the above described mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the hierarchical structure and the calculation procedure of a key used in the mobile communication system according to this embodiment (that is, a key used to calculate the certain key).

As shown in FIG. 8 , a key K RRC — IP used for “Integrity Protection” in the RRC protocol, a key K RRC — Ciph used for “Ciphering” in the RRC protocol, and a key K UP — Ciph used for “Ciphering” in the U-plane of AS are generated using K eNB [n] [m] .

K eNB [n] [m] is calculated by using K eNB [n] from the formulas given below.

K eNB [n][0]=K eNB [n]

K eNB [n][m+ 1 ]=KDF 2 ( K eNB [n][m ])( m≧ 0)

Furthermore, K eNB [n] is calculated from the formulas given below using K ASME .

K eNB [0 ]=KDF 0 ( K ASME ,NAS SN )

K eNB [n+ 1 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n ]),( n≧ 0)

Hereafter, operations of the mobile communication system according to this embodiment are described referring to FIG. 9 to FIG. 11 .

Firstly, an X 2 handover procedure (handover procedure between different radio base stations) in the mobile communication system according to this embodiment is described referring to FIG. 9 .

As shown in FIG. 9 , before starting the X 2 handover procedure, the mobile station UE holds K eNB [n] K eNB [n] [m], “KI (=n)” and “RC (=m)” (in step S 6001 ), the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) holds K eNB [n], K eNB [n+1], K eNB [n] [m], “KI (=n)” and “RC (=m)” (in step S 6002 ), and the switching center MME holds K ASME , K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n)” (in step S 6003 ).

In step S 6004 , if predetermined conditions are satisfied, the mobile station UE transmits “RRC Measurement Report (measurement report signal)” to the handover source radio base station (Source eNB).

In step S 6005 , the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) transmits “X 2 HO Preparation (handover preparation signal)” including K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n+1)” to the handover target radio base station (Target eNB).

In steps S 6006 and S 6007 , the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) stores K eNB [n+1] K eNB [n+1] [0], “KI (=n+1)” and “RC (=0)”. Here, it is assumed that K eNB [n+1] [0]=K eNB [n+1].

In step S 6008 , the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) transmits “X 2 HO preparation Ack (handover preparation acknowledge signal)” to the handover source radio base station (Source eNB).

In step S 6009 , the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) transmits “RRC HO Command (handover command signal)” including “KI (=n+1)” and “RC (=0)” to the mobile station UE.

In step S 6010 , the mobile station UE calculates K eNB [n+1.] and K eNB [n+1] [0] from the formulas given below, and in step S 6011 , stores K eNB [n+1], K eNB [n+1] [0], “KI (=n+1)” and “RC (=0)”.

K eNB [n+ 1 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n ])

K eNB [n+ 1][0 ]=K eNB [n+ 1]

Furthermore, the mobile station UE calculates K RRC — IP , K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [n+1] [0] and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

Hereafter, operations in step S 6012 to step S 6017 are same as operations in step S 1011 to step S 1016 shown in FIG. 4 .

Secondly, an S 1 handover procedure (handover procedure between different switching centers) in the mobile communication system according to this embodiment is described referring to FIG. 10 .

As shown in FIG. 10 , before starting the S 1 handover procedure, the mobile station UE holds K eNB [n], K eNB [n] [m], “KI (=n)” and “RC (=m)” (in step S 7001 ), the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) holds K eNB [n] K eNB [n+1], K eNB [n] [m], “KI (=n)” and “RC (=m)” (in step S 7002 ), and the switching center MME holds K ASME , K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n)” (in step S 7003 ).

Hereafter, operations in step S 7004 to step S 7012 are same as operations in step S 2004 to step S 2012 shown in FIG. 4 .

In step S 7013 , the handover source radio base station (Source eNB) transmits “RRC HO Command (handover command signal)” including “KI (=n+1)” and “RC (=0)” to the mobile station UE.

Here, in step S 7014 , the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) calculates K eNB [n+1] [0] from the formula given below and stores it.

K eNB[n+1][0] =K eNB[n+1]

At this stage, it is assumed that the handover target radio base station (Target eNB) stores K eNB [n+1] K eNB [n+2] K eNB [n+1] [0], “KI (=n+1)”, and “RC (=0)” (in step S 7015 ). The radio base station eNB calculates K RRC — IP K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [n+1] [0] and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

In step S 7016 , the mobile station UE calculates K eNB [n+1] and K eNB [n+1] [0] from the formulas given below, and in step S 7017 , stores K eNB [n+1], K eNB [n+1] [0], “KI (=n+1)” and “RC (=0)”

K eNB [n+ 1 ]=KDF 1 ( K ASME ,K eNB [n ])

K eNB [n+ 1][0 ]=K eNB [n+ 1]

Furthermore, the mobile station UE calculates K RRC — IP , K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [n+1] [0] and uses them to subsequent AS communications.

Hereafter, operations in step S 7018 to step S 7021 are same as operations in step S 2017 to step S 2020 shown in FIG. 5 .

Thirdly, an Intra-eNB handover procedure (inter-radio base station handover procedure) in the mobile communication system according to this embodiment is described referring to FIG. 11 .

As shown in FIG. 11 , before starting the Intra-eNB handover procedure, the mobile station UE holds K eNB [n], K eNB [n] [m], “KI (=n)” and “RC (=m)” (in step S 5001 ), the radio base station (Source eNB) holds K eNB [n], K eNB [n+1], K eNB [n] [m], “KI (=n)” and “RC (=m)” (in step S 5002 ), and the switching center MME holds K ASME , K eNB [n+1] and “KI (=n)” (in step S 5003 ).

In step S 5004 , if predetermined conditions are satisfied, the mobile station UE transmits “RRC Measurement Report (measurement report signal)” to the radio base station (Source eNB).

In step S 5005 , the radio base station (Source eNB) transmits “RRC HO Command (handover command signal)” including “KI (=n)” and “RC (=m+1)” to the mobile station UE.

In step S 5006 , the radio base station (Source eNB) calculates K eNB [n] [m+1] from the formula given below, and in step S 5007 , stores K eNB , [n], K eNB [n+1], K eNB [n] [m+1], “KI (=n+1)” and “RC (=m+1)”.

K eNB [n][m+ 1 ]=KDF 2 ( K eNB [n][m ])

Furthermore, the radio base station eNB calculates K RRC — IP , K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [n] [m+1] and uses them to subsequent AS communications.

At the same time, in step S 5008 , the mobile station UE calculates K eNB [n] [m+1] from the formula given below, and in step S 5009 , stores K eNB [n], K eNB [n] [m+1], “KI (=n+1)” and “RC (=m+1)”.

K eNB [n][m+ 1 ]=KDF 2 ( K eNB [n][m ])

Furthermore, the mobile station UE calculates K RRC — IP , K RRC — Ciph and K UP — Ciph based on K eNB [n] [m+1] and uses them in subsequent AS communications.

In step S 5010 , if predetermined conditions are satisfied, the mobile station UE transmits “RRC HO Complete (handover complete signal)” to the radio base station (Source eNB).

According to this embodiment, “Path Switch” in the Intra-eNB handover procedure can be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11 , by introducing K eNB updating in the radio base station using the parameter “RC”, K eNB can be updated while omitting an inquiry to the switching center MME.

Meanwhile, in the procedures shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11 , the parameter “RC” may be omitted from “RRC HO Command (handover command signal)”.

When the parameter “RC” is omitted from “RRC HO Command (handover command signal)”, necessity of incrementing “RC” can be determined by determining whether the parameter “KI” has been incremented or not.

If the “KI” has been incremented, “RC” may be reset to “0”, whereas if the “KI” has not been incremented, “RC” may be incremented.

Alternatively, if the parameter “RC” is omitted from “RRC HO Command (handover command signal)”, the mobile station UE may, on a trial basis, maintain the present value of “RC”, increment “RC” or reset “RC” to “0” and then check “Integrity” with respect to a message received for each of the cases to autonomously determine which one of the cases is correct.

Note that operation of the above described switching center MME, the radio base station eNB and the mobile station UE may be implemented by means of hardware, a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of both.

The software module may be provided in any type of storage medium such as an RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM), a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, or a CD-ROM.

The storage medium is connected to the processor so that the processor can read and write information from and to the storage medium. Also, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. Also, the storage medium and the processor may be provided in an ASIC. The ASIC may be provided in the switching center MME, the radio base station eNB and the mobile station UE. Also, the storage medium and the processor may be provided in the switching center MME, the radio base station eNB and the mobile station UE as a discrete component.

Hereinabove, the present invention has been described in detail using the above embodiment; however, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein. Modifications and variations of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the description of the scope of claims. Thus, what is described herein is for illustrative purpose, and has no intention whatsoever to limit the present invention.