×

Methods and apparatus for maintaining secure connections in a wireless communication network

  • US 8,881,305 B2
  • Filed: 07/13/2009
  • Issued: 11/04/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method in a mobile communication device operating in a wireless communication network, the method, comprising:

  • performing, via an access point of the wireless network, a first authentication procedure with an authentication server for obtaining a first session key;

    establishing a secure connection with the access point using the session key;

    setting a timer with an initial value that is less than or equal to a first key lifetime value associated with the first session key, and running the timer;

    communicating in a media session including a voice call over the secure connection with the access point;

    performing the following actions in response to an expiration of the timer during the voice call;

    initiating and performing, during and without interrupting the media session that is currently executing, a second authentication procedure with the authentication server to derive a second master session key (MSK) for obtaining a second session key associated with a second key lifetime value which overlaps with the first key lifetime value;

    updating, during the voice call, the mobile communication device with the second session key; and

    after updating,continuing the voice call over a second secure connection with the access point using the second session key;

    wherein the performing of the actions are done without disconnecting from and without reassociating with the access point, so that the voice call is continuously maintained without disruption.

View all claims
  • 4 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×