Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

In the public WLAN systems, reliable user re-authentication for mobility support is an essential step. However, re-authentication during handoff procedures causes long handoff latency which deteriorates the quality of service specifically for real-time multimedia applications. One possible solution is to authenticate the Mobile Node (MN) in advance with all the neighboring Access Points (APs) and distribute the Session Keys to them. However, the key issue is how to optimally and efficiently select the neighboring APs. In the preferred embodiments, we propose a system that takes into account the user current “Geo-Location”, “Mobility Pattern” and “Application Running on MN”; estimates the “Expected Mobility Zone” (EMZ) and selects an appropriate set of candidate APs corresponding to the MN's geo-location. The EMZ may comprise of APs belonging to “Intra-domain”, “Inter-domain” or “Inter-technology Networks” (e.g., WLAN, WiMAX, and Cellular etc). The system assumes that not only the Mobile Nodes but also the Fixed Nodes (APs or Base Stations) are capable of knowing their Geo-Location Coordinates X, Y, Z. This capability may come either by integrating GPS receiver or through any other alternate, state of the art or future positioning technologies in the APs.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim