AAA Architecture and Authentication for Wireless Lan roaming

Abstract

A wireless LAN service integration architecture based on current wireless LAN hotspots is proposed to make migrating to new service cost effective. The AAA (Authentication, Authorization and Accounting) based mobile terminal registration signaling process is discussed. An application layer end-to-end authentication and key negotiation protocol is proposed to overcome the open air connection problem existing in wireless LAN deployment. The protocol provides a general solution for Internet applications running on a mobile station under various authentication scenarios andkeeps the communications private to other wireless LAN users and foreign networks. A functional demonstration of the protocol is also given. The research results should contribute to rapid deployment of wireless LANs hotspot service.