A security scheme for centralized scheduling in IEEE 802.16 mesh networks

Worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), designed by the IEEE 802.16 standards group, can deliver high-speed connectivity for both fixed and vehicular speed subscribers. Mesh networking support was added for improved coverage and throughput. In order to operate efficiently, communication must be scheduled either by a distributed, centralized, or hybrid algorithm. However, in the current standard, there are problems that need addressing: malicious sponsor nodes, privacy, and link-by-link encryption load. We propose a new security scheme for centralized scheduling, which not only provides a simple way for mutual authentication between a joining node and the sponsor node, but also supports better privacy and reduces the encryption load.