Secure handoffs for V2I communications in 802.11 networks

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are emerging as a novel paradigm for safety services, supporting real-time applications (e.g., video-streaming, Internet browsing, online gaming, etc.). However, maintaining ubiquitous connectivity remains a challenge due to both high vehicle speed, and non-homogeneous nature of the network access infrastructure. Getting access to the network infrastructure must be controlled and only authorized users should be able to use it. However, the authentication process incurs in a not-negligible delay which can result in packet losses and other issues during handoffs. Hence, a fast and secure handoff scheme is essential. Although some solutions have been given in IEEE 802.11i and 802.11r standards, the handoff latency is still above 50 ms. Other protocols such as CAPWAP and HOKEY include support for fast handoff but have not been evaluated in a vehicular network. In this article, we analyze the security properties and performance of current proposals. Finally, simulations are conducted to date the effectiveness of the handoffs schemes.