Efficient key management scheme based on CPK for mobile Ad Hoc networks

Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) face serious security problems due to their unique characteristics such as dynamic topology, vulnerability of weak-secure wireless link, limited physical protection of each node, and lack of central infrastructure. Robust key management services are central to ensuring security of mobile Ad Hoc networks.A novel robust key management scheme for MANETs is proposed based on Elliptic Curve Combined Public Key (ECCPK) scheme and the threshold cryptosystem. The major innovative point of this scheme was the proposal of three-tier key management model to provide high security, low key management load. Based on three-tier key management model, the node's key generation, secret share distributing, node's key updating, secret share refreshing and key revocation approaches are proposed. Compared with the security and efficiency of the certificate-based and the identity-based key management schemes, the new scheme is more suitable for the mobile Ad Hoc networks.