Mutual authentication protocol for LTE based mobile networks

Femtocells are used to enhance the service coverage inside the office or home, particularly where access is narrow or engaged. Femtocells enhance the service quality that is attractive for the client and the mobile operator. Currently, security of core network from the unauthorized user in public environment is a big issue and there is no integrated solution to verify a rouge femtocell or unauthorized user equipment (UE). Forged equipment can launch any attack or hack the core network to act actively or passively. Hence, there is a need for a mutual authentication protocol, so communication equipments can verify each other during connection establishment and make a secure tunnel for communication. In this paper we have critically analyzed the Rapid Development Authentication Protocol (RDAP) and its structural design. Then a novel protocol has been proposed which provide mutual authentication between User Equipment (UE) and femtocell that will make the system more secure than conventional RDAP. Moreover, novel scheme is also compatible with the current network architecture and resist various network attacks e.g., Sybil attack, MITM, DOS, Eavesdropping & Injecting attack and Packet Sniffing.