This paper proposes a flexible tree-based key management framework for a terminal to connect with multiple content distribution systems (called as CDSs in this paper). In an existing tree-based key management scheme, a terminal keeps previously distributed node keys which are used for decrypting contents from a CDS. According to our proposal, the terminal can calculate its node keys of a selected CDS as the need arises, using the "public bulletin board" of the CDS. The public bulletin board is generated by a management center of the individual CDS, depending on a tree structure which it determines in its convenience. After the terminal calculates its node keys, it can get a content of the CDS using the calculated node keys.
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