Local fast re‐authentication for 3G‐WLAN interworking

Abstract

Interworking third‐generation (3G) mobile communications systems and wireless local area networks (WLANs) is advantageous for both service providers and end users. However, securing such interworking architectures is a challenging task. EAP‐AKA is the security protocol adopted by 3GPP to achieve authentication in 3G‐WLAN interworking architectures. This paper proposes enhancements to EAP‐AKA to improve performance and security during re‐authentication. A novel protocol named local fast re‐authentication (LFR) is proposed to replace the re‐authentication protocols in EAP‐AKA. The EAP‐AKA key hierarchy is restructured to suit the needs of LFR. Evaluations show that LFR is superior to the re‐authentication protocols in EAP‐AKA in terms of performance and security. LFR has been tested by the automated validation of internet security protocols and applications (AVISPA) security verification tool and proved to be secure.. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.