Method and system for key distribution and authentication in a data communication network
US5539824A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2209/80
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This invention deals with a safe key distribution and authentication in a data communication network (e.g. wireless LAN type of network). The network includes a network manager to which are connected, via a LAN wired circuit, one or more base stations. Individual remote stations are, in turn, wirelessly connected to an installed base station. One essential function for achieving security in such a network, is a mechanism to reliably authenticate the exchanges of data between communicating parties. This involves the establishment of session keys, which keys need to be distributed safely to the network components. An original and safe method is provided with this invention for key distribution and authentication during network installation, said method including using the first installed base station for generating a network key and a backbone key, and then using said first installed base station for subsequent remote station or additional base station installations while avoiding communicating said network key.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.