Pre-Authentication Using Infrared

Abstract

Using complex authentication and verification methods is not always feasible in application fields with time and resource restrictions. However, fast and configuration-less authentication methods are required in many pervasive computing applications using wireless connectivity. In this paper we present an authentication mechanism which uses context information for its first phase, the so called pre-authentication phase. During this phase a connection between two devices is established to generate a common secret as a prerequisite for the subsequent authentication. We present an implementation of a special device called "magic wand", using optical communication for the pre-authentication phase. With the help of this device it is also possible to quickly authenticate devices for subsequent use in service discovery.