Over the next several years, we will see the majority of these mobile computers, connected to the Internet via Mobile IP protocols. The only scalable standardized security solution available for use with Mobile IP is through the application of IPsec and IKE technology. Little effort has been made to study the feasibility of using IPsec and IKE protocols in a mobile networking environment. The current IPsec and IKE specifications assume, for the most part, the use of wired technology and large bandwidth networks. Mobile IP networks are typically bandwidth constrained and require high levels of compression to transmit effectively.
Strong encryption removes the ability to compress data.
Initially, this will be something of a seed task, with NIST devoting minor resources to research and experimentation with mobile IP and IPsec. As other efforts mature, we will increase our efforts by defining more significant research topics involving Mobile IP and IPsec. Establish a mobile IP test-bed for research, development and testing purposes. Install Cerberus and PlutoPlus to provide security services in this test-bed. Modify the prototypes if necessary.