Title: Overview of satellite communication networks security: introduction of EAP

Authors: Konstantinos E. Drakakis, Athanasios D. Panagopoulos, Panayotis G. Cottis

Addresses: School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechniou 9, Zografou, 15780, Athens, Greece. ' School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechniou 9, Zografou, 15780, Athens, Greece. ' School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechniou 9, Zografou, 15780, Athens, Greece

Abstract: This paper overviews some of the security mechanisms, widely used in satellite communications. The security is analysed by layer and the contribution of each layer is presented both separately and in conjunction with the whole system. Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) as a uniform security framework for satellite communication networks and satellite communication Direct-To-User (DTU) services is also presented in the paper. Various EAP-based methods are discussed in relation to the security needs of a satellite communication network, revealing the advantages and the disadvantages of their incorporation.

Keywords: satellite communications; network security; EAP; extensible authentication protocol; DTU services; direct-to-user satellite applications; satellite communication networks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSN.2009.027342

International Journal of Security and Networks, 2009 Vol.4 No.3, pp.164 - 170

Published online: 20 Jul 2009 *

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