Authentication in Wireless Networks

Broadband wireless access networks based on WiMAX can provide backhaul support for mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. The authors consider an integrated WiMAX / Wi-Fi network for different application where the licensed WiMAX spectrum is shared by the Wi-Fi access points to provide Internet connectivity to mobile Wi-Fi users. This type of development is suffering today from different security problems due to the fact that it is a wireless technology. In the cryptographic scenario, authentication protocols play an important role. This paper will focus on the importance of this kind of cryptographic tools in the emergent technology of wireless networks. The alternatives for authentication in this setting will be introduced and some of their weaknesses will be pointed out.