Group Key Agreement Protocol for MANETs Based on HSK Scheme

摘要

In this paper, we first provide a spanning tree (ST)-based centralized groupkey agreement protocol for unbalanced mobile Ad Hoc networks (MANETs). Based onthe centralized solution, a local spanning tree (LST)-based distributedprotocol for general MANETs is subsequently presented. Both protocols followthe basic features of the HSK scheme: 1) H means that a hybrid approach, whichis the combination of key agreement and key distribution via symmetricencryption, is exploited; 2) S indicates that a ST or LSTs are adopted to forma connected network topology; and 3) K implies that the extended Kruskalalgorithm is employed to handle dynamic events. It is shown that the HSK schemeis a uniform approach to handle the initial key establishment process as wellas all kinds of dynamic events in group key agreement protocol for MANETs.Additionally, the extended Kruskal algorithm enables to realize the reusabilityof the precomputed secure links to reduce the overhead. Moreover, some otheraspects, such as the network topology connectivity and security, are wellanalyzed.