A Context-Based Secure Handover Mechanism for Space-Ground-Integrated Network

Abstract

This paper suggests a context-based secure handover mechanism for the frequent handover problem
of satellite access nodes due to its high-speed motion in Space-Ground-Integrated Network. This
approach applies Private Key Generator (PKG) in identity-based cryptography for key management
and distribution to evade the transport, verification, storage, and other overheads of certificates in
Public Key Infrastructure(PKI), and its context mechanism transmits the authentication information
and session key of the specific mobile node in advance to the next satellite access node, thereby
avoiding the delay and communication interrupt due to recertification during a handover, optimizing
the handover efficiency, and guaranteeing the session continuity.