Providing security information to establish secure communications over a device-to-device (D2D) communication link

摘要

A communications system is provided, where a network device controls the setting up of a device-to-device (D2D) communication link, as sent between a device in the core network and the base station(s) servicing the relevant mobile devices, including common security information for two mobile devices to communicate securely over the direct device to device communications link. A network entity, such as a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 9, is operable to control the setting up of the device-to-device communications link A or B between first and second user devices, e.g. 3-1 and 3-2, or 3-1 and 3-3, wherein the network entity comprises means for providing information relating to a radio bearer (such as an Evolved Packet System, EPS, bearer) that is complementary for the first and second user devices to establish radio communications, and means for sending the radio bearer information towards the first and the second user devices. Bearer configuration data includes a traffic flow template, TFT, with a destination address of the other user device. The network entity comprises means for providing security information that is common for the first and second user devices and that is used by the first and second user devices to secure communications transmitted over the device to device communication link.