Distributed key selection for group applications in ad hoc networks

Efficient key management is an indispensable element for supporting security in ad hoc networks. However, several key pre-distribution approaches based on a trusted third party have limitations caused by their centralized principles. Distributed key selection mechanisms are offered to deal with the limitations of the centralized counterparts in ad hoc networks. In this study, we consider distributed key selection for ad hoc networked group applications. We provide extensions to a recent key establishment approach named SeeDKS (Seed-based Distributed Key Selection). The approach is generalized by offering a novel exclusion property testing required for secure communications. Secure group management algorithms for SeeDKS are also proposed. Quantitative evaluation and superiority of the generalized algorithm over distributed key selection are presented with experimental results.