Multi-level encryption system for wireless network
First Claim
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1. A wireless communication system, comprising:
- a system backbone;
a plurality of access points coupled to the system backbone, each of the plurality of access points having a first transceiver for communicating wirelessly;
a plurality of mobile terminals, each of the plurality of mobile terminals having a second transceiver for communicating wirelessly with the first transceiver of a respective access point in order to communicate with the system backbone; and
a key distribution server coupled to the system backbone, the key distribution server being configured to distribute a first encryption key to the plurality of mobile terminals in an encrypted format using a second encryption key different from the first key wherein each of the mobile terminals utilizes the first encryption key to encrypt its wireless communications with the respective access point, to communicate with the access points to inform the access points which of a plurality of mobile terminals are authorized to communicate on the wireless communication system and to change the first encryption key to secure communications between the plurality of access points and plurality of mobile terminals.
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Abstract
A multi-level encryption scheme is provided for a wireless network. A first level of encryption is provided primarily for wireless communications taking place between a mobile terminal and an access point. In addition, a second, higher level of encryption is provided which is distributed beyond the wireless communications onto the system backbone itself. Through a key distribution server/access point arrangement, the second level of encryption provides a secure means for distributing the encryption scheme of the first level without compromising the integrity of the network.
185 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A wireless communication system, comprising:
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a system backbone;
a plurality of access points coupled to the system backbone, each of the plurality of access points having a first transceiver for communicating wirelessly;
a plurality of mobile terminals, each of the plurality of mobile terminals having a second transceiver for communicating wirelessly with the first transceiver of a respective access point in order to communicate with the system backbone; and
a key distribution server coupled to the system backbone, the key distribution server being configured to distribute a first encryption key to the plurality of mobile terminals in an encrypted format using a second encryption key different from the first key wherein each of the mobile terminals utilizes the first encryption key to encrypt its wireless communications with the respective access point, to communicate with the access points to inform the access points which of a plurality of mobile terminals are authorized to communicate on the wireless communication system and to change the first encryption key to secure communications between the plurality of access points and plurality of mobile terminals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A key distribution server for use in a system including a system backbone, a plurality of access points coupled to the system backbone, each of the plurality of access points having a first transceiever for communicating wirelessly;
- and a plurality of mobile terminals, each of the plurality of mobile terminals having a second transceiver for communicating wirelessly with the first transceiver of a respective access point in order to communicate with the system backbone including receiving requests from the system backbone, the key distribution server comprising;
an interface for coupling the key distribution server to the system backbone; and
operational means responsive to requests received from the mobile terminals via the system backbone so as to transmit to the mobile terminals a first encryption key to be used by the mobile terminals to encrypt wireless communications with the respective access points. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
- and a plurality of mobile terminals, each of the plurality of mobile terminals having a second transceiver for communicating wirelessly with the first transceiver of a respective access point in order to communicate with the system backbone including receiving requests from the system backbone, the key distribution server comprising;
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12. A mobile terminal, comprising:
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a transceiver for wirelessly communicating with an access point coupled to a system backbone;
input means for permitting an operator to input data;
memory means for storing the input data;
an encryption engine for encrypting messages which are to be transmitted to the access point via the transceiver, and for decrypting messages received from the access point via the transceiver;
means for selectively providing a plurality of different encryption keys to the encryption engine based upon which encryption and decryption is carried out, the means being operationally preconfigured with the encryption engine and the transceiver to transmit a request for a first encryption key to the system backbone, and wherein the request is encrypted using a second encryption key different from the first encryption key. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification