On the design of authentication protocols for third generation mobile communication systems

In the next generation of mobile communication systems it is likely that public key based authentication protocols will be employed as they impose several advantages over secret key protocols. On designing an appropriate authentication protocol, some goals have to be achieved. This paper reviewed three of the important public key based authentication protocols, the weakness of one of these protocols is indicated. Two improved versions of that protocol are suggested. All the protocols are judged with the discussed goals. The different mobilities of a mobile station are classified into three types. The proposed protocols are adapted to suit these different mobilities.