A study on secure wireless networks consisting of home appliances

We propose a security system for a wireless home network, regarding which consumers need not be aware of configuration of IP address or wireless LAN protocol type. This system assumes that a server manages a connectivity of each appliance to the wireless home network. The server uses two kinds of keys. First is a master key which is unique to each appliance. Second is a shared network key, which is securely distributed to each appliance with encryption by the master key. The periodic distribution of the new shared network key through the application layer ensures the timely update of the key, and prevents unknown appliances from joining the home network. The distributed data on the home network are protected by the encryption function in the data link layer of for example, IEEE802.11 and Bluetooth protocols. This system ensures higher security for the wireless home network with small implementation cost.