SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED MESH AUTHENTICATION AND ASSOCIATION

摘要

Systems and methods for more efficient mesh associations are disclosed. In some aspects, a non-member device may join a mesh network via a four way message exchange with any member device of the mesh network. The four way message exchange between the mesh member device and the non-member device provides for authentication and association between the two devices. As a result of the four way message exchange, a common group key is provided to the non-member device. The common group key is utilized by all mesh member devices to encrypt and decrypt group addressed mesh messages exchanged between any of the mesh member devices. Association identifiers for each of the two devices are also provided during the exchange. PHY/MAC capabilities may also be exchanged. In some aspects, IP address assignment for the two devices may also be accomplished during the four way message handshake.