A global authentication scheme for Mobile Ad-hoc networks

Abstract

This work proposes a new global authentication system for Mobile Ad-hoc Networks. The component algorithms are designed in a self-organizing way so that most needs of this sort of networks are covered. In particular, characteristics such as adaptation to the varying topology of the network, open availability of broadcast transmissions, and strong access control have received special attention when defining the new scheme. The described protocol is based on the cryptographic paradigm of Zero-Knowledge Proofs. In this paper the design is thought for the Hamiltonian Cycle Problem, but it might be easily adapted to other NP-complete graph problems.