A new EAP-based signaling protocol for IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs

We propose a generalization of the 802.1X architecture introducing a new EAP-based protocol capable of transporting signaling data for various new purposes in future IEEE 802.11 WLANs (wireless local area networks). The user will have the possibility of choosing between various services in different networks managed by different administrative authorities. We analyze the implications of the prevalent 802.1X access control usage in this context. We illustrate several negative effects, instancing early service discovery and IP micromobility support. To overcome the difficulties arising from the missing signaling, we have developed EAP-SIG (extensible authentication protocol -signaling), an effective and easy-to-implement generic signaling protocol for future wireless LANs. We discuss the advantages of this approach and provide some implementation guidelines. Our approach is extensible, being capable of transporting any signaling payload with a security support. Our approach does not require any changes to IEEE 802.11 and 802.1X standards.