Fast Authentication during Handover in 4G LTE/SAE Networks

The LTE/SAE (Long Term Evolution/System Architecture Evolution) architecture design is greatly different from the existing network (3G) which brings with it a need to adapt and improve the security functions. In fact, the security issues in telecommunications networks will be surely a big discussion subject in the next few years whither the delay remains very important and should be minimized. Thus, the Handover Keying Working Group (HOKEY) tries to reduce the delay caused by the authentication once the mobile user changes its location. Therefore, the focus of this paper is to make a brief discussion of the IETF HOKEY solution to fast authenticate the subscribers during the handover in the LTE/SAE network.