Access control framework for delay/disruption tolerant networks

Abstract

The emergence of DTN as an option for sustaining communication in environments with high delay/frequent disruption have rendered existing access control mechanisms inappropriate hence the need for a new concept in DTN access control. This is primarily due to contradicting assumptions like low delay and constant connectivity on which the existing mechanisms are built. This paper discusses the security issues in DTN, investigate existing access control mechanisms and relate their design principles as well as operational mode to DTN. We proposed a lightweight hierarchical architecture based on AAA architecture concept and explored the DTN architecture to identify those features that will support the implementation of AAA architecture concept. We present the proposed architecture for an intra-domain scenario with a brief description. © 2010 Institute for Computer Sciences, Social-Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering.