5G-Enabled Flexible Security Framework for Industrial Applications

Wireless networks have made great strides in recent years in supporting the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). However, industrial network security remains a major challenge in the context of wireless access. Notably, many industrial communication services that enable factory floor applications are still based on proprietary and industry-specific protocols that lack essential security features. As a solution to this challenge, in this paper, we propose an application function (AF) based security framework (AERO). This framework enables the 5G security function to meet the security requirements of industrial networks when wireless access is used without implementing redundant mechanisms. The basic idea is that the 5G system implements the user plane cryptographic mechanism over the air, based on industry requirements, without affecting existing industry protocols. We propose (i) static configuration and (ii) dynamic configuration mechanisms that facilitate providing the 5G core network security policy used to determine user plane cryptographic requirements. Furthermore, we demonstrate the advantages of our AERO approach by applying it to two specific use cases: Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Electrified Mono-rail Systems (EMSs). Through our analysis, we establish that our proposal significantly reduces data transmission time when compared to the current 5G mechanism.