APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR NEGOTIATING PAIRWISE MASTER KEY FOR SECURING PEER LINKS IN WIRELESS MESH NETWORKS

摘要

A system and method are provided for negotiating a pairwise master key (“PMK”) in a wireless mesh network. The system includes a plurality of mesh points configured to perform an abbreviated handshake protocol in negotiating a PMK and establishing a secure connection. The method of establishing a negotiated PMK is based on selecting a PMK before transmitting any data and placing the PMKs available in a predetermined list so that the PMKs can be negotiated with a limited number of exchanges.