An authentication algorithm for wireless local area networks

Abstract

The study focused on the authentication of wireless local area network which permits a secure communication between the wireless client and the access point. Investigation on the current authentication algorithms was done through literature and the weaknesses of these algorithms were identified. Among the weaknesses identified was lack of mutual authentication which this study focused on. A new authentication algorithm was therefore developed based on the weaknesses identified in the current authentication algorithms. By authenticating both the wireless client and the access point, the algorithm aimed at providing mutual authentication which is the primary design flaw in the IEEE 802.11 standard. The new algorithm developed was validated by entering some of the pre-defined data into the system and the results showed that both the access point and the mobile client were authenticated. The most important aspect of this new algorithm was that apart from mutual authentication, it also aimed at authenticating the user of the devise other than authenticating the device itself.