The optimization of security algorithm selection for wireless communications in UMTS

In UMTS (Universal Mobile Terrestrial System), the algorithms used in encryption and integrity protection for data transferred on the radio link are various [1], from which one optimized algorithms shall be selected by RNC (Radio Network Controller) to use. The selecting procedure is followed as: SGSN (Service GPRS Support Node) sends the list of allowed algorithms to RNC in order of preference according to the operator´s policy, one with encryption algorithms and the other with integrity protection algorithms; RNC selects the highest preference algorithm from the list of allowed algorithms that matches any of the algorithms supported by the MS (Mobile Subscriber ). The paper does a research on the existing algorithm selection procedure, presenting its potential problems, and putting forwards the optimization solution.