A Simple Key Distribution Method for IEEE 802.11 Encryption Keys

This article proposes a simple key management protocol for the distribution of shared session keys in IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs. For this purpose an individual key for each user is stored in a central key management server, that regularly broadcasts key management frames which contain the shared session key encrypted individually for every user via all attached base stations of the key management domain under his control. The protocol is designed for use in small to medium scale scenarios where an easy to deploy solution is needed that works with today’s base stations. We compare our method to an upcoming approach that is based on the future IEEE 802.1x standard and the IETF standards Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP).

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2001
• Where: GI
• Authors: Günter Schäfer, Michael Eyrich
• Keywords: GI 2001, Key Management, Key Management Protocol, Key Management Server, Theoretical Computer Science