Security and authentication in PCS
As personal communication systems (PCSs) enter the realm of communications, there is an increasing need to protect the wireless link between subscribers and the service provider. Authentication protocols provide the fundamental means for implementation of security services. Designing a secure authentication protocol is a complex task because of the vulnerability of radio communication, the fact that users traverse different service domains and the limited computing resources associated with PCS users devices. This paper first introduces the security services required to counteract security threats and the cryptographic techniques used to provide these services. Then, we provide a comprehensive review of the authentication protocols proposed by standards organizations and by independent researchers for readers who need to understand issues associated with securing PCS services, what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done or what can be improved.
personal communication systems authentication protocol cryptography communication security wireless communication