Title: Improved IP Multimedia Subsystem authentication mechanism for 3G-WLAN networks

Authors: Madhu J. Sharma; Victor C.M. Leung

Addresses: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada. ' Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada

Abstract: The provision of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) introduces important advantages for users of 3G-WLAN networks. However, a multi-pass authentication procedure needs to be performed before accessing the IMS, resulting in added overhead and possible Quality of Service (QoS) degradations. The problem is further compounded when the user moves from one Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) domain into another, which requires the authentication procedure to be repeated. To mitigate this problem, we present a lightweight, robust, and architecture-compatible IMS authentication protocol that implements a one-pass IMS procedure by promoting efficient key re-use for a mobile user. The security of the proposed protocols is verified using the Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications (AVISPA) security analyser. We also analyse the authentication delay of our proposed scheme. Numerical results reveal a reduction in user authentication delay of more than 50% compared to the existing authentication procedure.

Keywords: IMS authentication; IP multimedia subsystems; NGN; next generation networks; 3GPP; third generation partnership project; security; 3G; WLAN; wireless LANs; local area networks; key reuse; mobile users.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSN.2011.043668

International Journal of Security and Networks, 2011 Vol.6 No.2/3, pp.90 - 100

Published online: 15 Nov 2011 *

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