Efficient Authentication and Key Distribution in Wireless IP Networks

In this paper, we first describe a simple network model that accounts for heterogeneity in network service providers, and put forward the requirements that any authentication and key exchange protocol that operates in such model has to satisfy, in terms of network efficiency, security and fraud prevention. 

We then introduce a new authentication and key exchange protocol, called Wireless Shared Key Exchange (W-SKE). We characterize properties and limitations of W-SKE against the requirements discussed earlier. We also describe an instantiation of W-SKE in the context of 802.11 networks, called EAP-SKE. Finally, we contrast EAP-SKE against other well-known and emerging approaches.