Towards automated authentication for mobile users in WLAN hot-spots

Abstract

This paper presents an automated user authentication mechanism for WLAN hot-spots that is intended for mobile usage scenarios. Based upon cues from access points and hot-spot infrastructures, we detect availability of hot-spots, deduce the access method and the wireless ISP's identity, and finally perform authentication taking into account user policies. Our approach enables users to authenticate with a hot-spot within a few seconds, enabling their use even from passing vehicles. While our current implementation works with some hot-spots, we have discovered others that are not well-suited for the current scheme. As mid-term remedy, we finally suggest service announcements to inform mobile users about hot-spot capabilities.