Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
Protection of Non-Access Stratum Communication in a Wireless Communication Network

Abstract:

Network equipment (16A) is configured for use in a wireless communication network. The network equipment (16A) is configured to detect one or more conditions under which non-access stratum (NAS) keys (26A) that protect NAS communication between the network equipment (16A) and a wireless device (12) are to be refreshed. Responsive to detecting the one or more conditions, the network equipment (16A) is configured to derive, from a base key (24A) on which the NAS keys (26A) were derived, a new base key (24B) on which fresh NAS keys (26B) are to be derived. The network equipment (16A) is also configured to activate the new base key (24B).