US Patent 10455414 User-plane security for next generation cellular networks

Securing user-plane data traffic between a device and a packet data network gateway (P-GW) may be accomplished at the device (e.g., chip component, client device) by obtaining, at the device, a first shared key, and obtaining, at the device, a second shared key based on the first shared key. The second shared key may be for securing user-plane data traffic during transit between the device and the P-GW. The second shared key is shared by the device and the P-GW. The data traffic may be secured based on the second shared key to produce first secured data traffic. The first secured data traffic may be sent to the P-GW via an access node. The P-GW and the access node are distinct network entities. The second shared key is unknown to the access node. The P-GW obtains the second shared key from a network entity that is distinct from the device.