Fast authentication methods for handovers between IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs

Abstract

Improving authentication delay is a key issue for achieving seamless handovers across networks and domains. This paper presents an overview of fast authentication methods when roaming within or across IEEE 802.11 Wireless-LANs. Besides this overview, the paper analyses the applicability of IEEE 802.11f and Seamoby solutions to enable fast authentication for inter-domain handovers. The paper proposes a number of possible changes to these solutions (typically in terms of network architectures and/or required trust relationships) for inter-domain operation. In addition, the paper identifies the crucial research issues therein. Possible solutions and directions for future research include: update to security infrastructure, inter-layer communication and discovery of appropriate networks.

Wireless Handoff Optimization: A Comparison of IEEE 802.11r and HOKEY

“…This process of communication handover is simply known as handoff. It essentially incorporates a number of message exchanges among the mobile node, the old AP and the new AP which results in physical connection and state transfer from the old AP to the new AP [4]. During this period of handoff from the old AP to the new AP, the mobile station is potentially unable to communicate any type of data traffic.…”

“…The handoff process is performed in three basic stages: detection, search and execution [4]. As its name implies, 'detection' phase is the phase when the MN detects a need for handoff.…”

“…Upon receiving the responses, the MN chooses the best candidate AP for the handoff process. The selection is based on the SNR associated with each AP's probe response [4]. It is easy to assume that the SNR of the selected AP should be at least above the SNR of the current AP, to avoid unnecessary handoffs.…”

“…Sec. 5 presents some research ideas that are not standardized yet [10,4,12,9,5,8,3,6] for 802.11 handoff improvements by reducing the latency. Finally, Sec.…”

Wireless Network Security and Interworking

“…The AAA server, being aware of the neighbor graph, predistributes MKs to potential next APs, significantly reducing authentication latency. Bargh et al [60] discusses the extension of intradomain proactive context distribution for interdomain handoffs. With the proposed scheme, typical message flow is as follows [see Fig.…”