METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AUTHENTICATION IN A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

摘要

A method includes receiving an authentication request from a mobile station ( 401 ) and determining whether to forward the request to an authentication agent. When it is determined to forward the request, the request is forwarded to the authentication agent ( 107 ). A random number and a random seed are received from the authentication agent ( 107 ). The random number and the random seed are forwarded to the mobile station ( 401 ). A response to the random number and the random seed from the mobile station ( 401 ) is received and forwarded to the authentication agent ( 107 ). The authentication agent ( 107 ) compares the response with an expected response. When the authentication agent ( 107 ) authenticates the mobile station ( 401 ), a derived cipher key is received from the authentication agent ( 107 ).