Security Analysis of Identity Based Cryptography and Certificate Based in Wimax Network Using Omnet++ Simulator

Abstract

WiMAX is a promising technology that provides high data throughput with low delays for various user types and modes of operation. These advantages make WiMAX applicable both for infrastructure purposes and end-client usage. Since WiMAX is presented as a network framework and a last-mile technology, it is believed to be capable of handling a wide range of usage scenarios. Many security problems remain to be addressed in different modes and for different user types even in the final security standard of WiMAX, privacy and key management version 2 (PKMv2). Identity Based Cryptography (IBC) has potential benefits that can provide enhancements to the overall security and efficiency of the security standard. WiMAX as the primary connection medium for acquiring services such as on-demand video streaming, VoIP connections and mobile bank transactions, the service providers may use it for data relaying purposes among access points. To meet the technical requirements of these various scenarios, majority of the WiMAX research has been conducted on physical and MAC layers, however little has been invested in a comprehensive and efficient security solution, which has resulted in a wide range of security weaknesses and reactive solutions. One such enhancement is combining user identity with the public key and therefore eliminating the public key distribution load from the network. However, IBC has a few caveats, such as the necessity of a secure medium to distribute private keys. To compensate for these disadvantages, in this study, IBC is combined with certificate-based security. As a result, the benefits of IBC are maintained while the disadvantages are eliminated.