Patent ID: 7181012
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of sending a mobile application part (MAP) protocol message between a first network element of a first telecommunications network and a second network element of a second telecommunications network, the method comprising: between a key administration center of the first telecommunications network and a key administration center of the second telecommunications network, using Internet Key Exchange (IRE) to negotiate a master security association between the first telecommunications network and the second telecommunications network, the master security association comprising a set of security parameters; using the master security association to derive a unique connection-specific security association for use by the first network element on a connection between the first network element and the second network element; at the first network element, including a parameter obtained from the connection-specific security association in an encrypted/authenticated MAP message sent from the first network element to the second network element; at the second network element, upon receipt of the MAP message using the master security association to derive a connection-specific security association for use by the second network element; using the connection-specific security association for use by the second network element to decrypt/decode the MAP message; performing negotiating of the master security association between the first telecommunications network and the second telecommunications network over a first intermediate network which differs from a second intermediate network over which the MAP message is sent, wherein the first intermediate network and the second intermediate network interconnect the first telecommunications network and the second telecommunications network.