Fundamentals of Mobile and Pervasive Computing

Chapter 16Security in Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (802.16)

Metropolitan area networks (MANs) link local area networks (LANs) to larger networks, such as the Internet, through a high-speed connection. This chapter presents the security mechanisms in the newly approved IEEE 802.16 standard for wireless MANs, which provides the interface to high-speed wireless links using licensed and unlicensed radio bands to fixed locations, such as rooftop antennas. We describe the protocol, the security mechanisms, and potential limitations.

16.1 Broadband Wireless Access

MANs link commercial and residential buildings to the Internet through a high-speed connection. Typically, an Internet service provider (ISP) supplies the MAN. The links can be dedicated ...