3P-AAA framework for UCWW.

This thesis proposes a new approach to the management of the Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) function that forms a core part of many service provider networks. The principle idea outlined is to move this function under the supervision of the trusted third parties and independent of the access network providers. This change would provide for additional flexibility through enabling users to switch their network providers depending on their current needs and the required quality of service levels. The key issue addressed in this thesis is the development of the signaling framework for the third-party AAA, which is an integral entity of the Ubiquitous Consumer Wireless World (UCWW) [1, 2] project. A review of the currently existing business models and technologies is performed in the introducing chapters of the thesis. The key issue here is to investigate what currently existing technologies and protocols could be used to provide the base for the development of the 3P- AAA. Some of the signaling protocols along with security features are already implemented by a number of the network providers and can be inherited by the 3P-AAA. These features include signaling protocols like Diameter and PANA, as well as security features provided by the extensible authentication protocol (EAP) and the X.509 certificates. Based on the researched material the 3P-AAA framework is described along with its corresponding entities and interfaces. Based on the discussion of the possible use scenarios and the requirements drawn from them, the 3P-AAA signaling protocol messages and novel attribute-value pairs (AVPs) are outlined. The concluding chapter of the thesis aims to outline the implementation related issues that include the possible software protocol stacks and the simulation tools. The ideas related to the 3P-AAA design outlined in this thesis have also been disseminated through presentations at international research conference meetings, namely Globe Forum Dublin and European Cooperation in Science and Technology Wireless Networking for Moving Object (WiNeMO) meeting. Various other aspects have been described in the IEEE conference paper publications within the upcoming 7th International Conference on Wireless Communications, Networking and Mobile Computing and the 5th International Conference on Next Generation Mobile Applications, Services and Technologies.