This thesis aims to be a comprehensive analysis of different techniques and solutions proposed to achieve secure communications in groups of more than two wireless devices. The concept of device pairing is a fundamental of network security, referring to a set of procedures addressed to ensure confidentiality in point-to-point communications. This concept can be extended to point-to-multipoint or ad hoc group communication, where new issues and limitations arise. Although the problem has not been specifically approached by most of the research in the field, the state-of-the-art research in network security provides some useful solutions. Our comprehensive approach begins with a review of the current standard technologies affected by this issue, to end with a critical analysis of some of the most interesting solutions and policies that are suggested to deal with the problem.
This thesis aims to be a comprehensive analysis of different techniques and solutions proposed to achieve secure communications in groups of more than two wireless devices. The concept of device pairing is a fundamental of network security, referring to a set of procedures addressed to ensure confidentiality in point-to-point communications. This concept can be extended to point-to-multipoint or ad hoc group communication, where new issues and limitations arise. Although the problem has not been specifically approached by most of the research in the field, the state-of-the-art research in network security provides some useful solutions. Our comprehensive approach begins with a review of the current standard technologies affected by this issue, to end with a critical analysis of some of the most interesting solutions and policies that are suggested to deal with the problem. Read More


