Integration of quantum key distribution in EAP-TLS protocol used for wireless LAN authentication

Extensive studies have been undertaken on quantum cryptography, which offers unconditionally secure communication based on quantum mechanics, since it was noted that quantum computers could break public key cryptosystems based on number theory. Now there is a strong need of research to exploit this technology in the existing communication networks. While the use of quantum cryptography in fiber optical networks gets significant advances, research on the application of quantum cryptography in mobile wireless network is still premature. There are a large variety of kinds of mobile wireless networks, Wi-Fi, based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, is wireless local area network and due to the limited coverage area, this environment potentially offers a chance to let quantum key distribution (QKD) play a role in the wireless communication. In this paper, we propose a technique of integrating quantum cryptography in 802.11 to provide a secure service of authentication. It is based on integrating QKD in the EAP-TLS conversation to enhance the security of the authentication process.