Question: In a 5G network, when a Master eNodeB (MeNB) lacks UE NR security capabilities for dual connectivity with a Secondary gNodeB (SgNB), how are the missing NEA/NIA security algorithm supports populated from existing EEA/EIA supports?
Option 1: Set NEA0/128-NEA1/128-NEA2/128-NEA3 to match EEA0/128-EEA1/128-EEA2/128-EEA3 respectively, and NIA1/128-NIA2/128-NIA3 to match EIA1/128-EIA2/128-EIA3 respectively.
Option 2: Set all NEA/NIA supports to the highest level of corresponding EEA/EIA supports (e.g., if EEA3 is supported, set all NEA to their maximum).
Option 3: Populate NEA/NIA supports randomly to ensure maximum security capability assumption for dual connectivity.
Option 4: Leave all NEA/NIA supports unset, relying on default security configurations for SgNB connections.
Explanation: This approach ensures consistency in security algorithm support between E-UTRAN (EEA/EIA) and NR (NEA/NIA) for dual connectivity scenarios, maintaining the principle of matching security capabilities for seamless handover and communication integrity. By mirroring the supports (e.g., 128-NEA1 mirrors 128-EEA1), the network ensures that the UE's security capabilities are consistently interpreted across different network technologies, thus preventing potential security mismatches or compatibility issues during dual connectivity operations with an SgNB.