Packet key-based security system for the next generation LTE networks

Abstract This paper proposes the end-to-end security scheme with packet key mechanism to perform ciphering of user traffic between two UEs attached to the different LTE networks. In LTE system, each UE derives its master key after a mutual authentication is performed between the UE and its local LTE network. In this paper, two end-to-end UEs use their own master keys to generate real-time packet keys where different packet keys are applied to encrypt packet stream data on a packet basis. Because the life cycle of the packet key is same as a packet period, the proposed security scheme significantly improves the security strength for end-to-end LTE users. As a result, this paper contributes to suggest the security scheme with packet key mechanism that can provide high level of security as well as end-to-end security for the global LTE UEs.