Optimized source authentication scheme for multicast based on merkle tree and TESLA

An optimized source authentication scheme for multicast based on merkle tree and TESLA was presented. Message group including independent component was constructed by merkle tree algorithm, the validity of message group's digest value was ensured by delayed disclosure of keys of TESLA algorithm, and furthermore, real-time source authentication with zero-time delay was implemented through improving TESLA algorithm. Compared with the same kind schemes, this scheme not only obviously decreased communication, computation and storage cost, but also could be compatible with complex network environment and treat bursty loss well. According to derivation and verification, source authentication had almost no effect even in communication scenarios with higher packet loss probability and significantly improved reliability.