Abstract: A method for making safety mechanisms available in wireless mesh networks which have a plurality of nodes that are interconnected by multi-hop communication in a wireless network meshed by mesh routing in the MAC layer, every node being active as a router to forward the data traffic of the other nodes. At least two differentiated levels of confidence are defined by a type of protection (ToP) the value of which represents a specific level of confidence for the nodes and data packets, the data packets being labeled with a ToP value in the mesh header, and at least one ToP value being allocated to the participating nodes, the nodes forwarding the data packet in the mesh network using the ToP values of the node and of the data packet if this ToP value combination is admissible in the node.

Abstract: Network access node for a terminal integrated wirelessly into the network, including: a) a memory device having at least one first key and address codes for second access nodes for the terminal, b) at least one data communications device for exchanging data with the second access nodes, c) connected with the memory device and the data communications device, a processor with functions for: d) deriving second keys, among them a second key for securing the connection between the terminal and the second access node, from the first key, e) secured association of the terminal by using a key derived from the first key, f) in response to the execution of function d), transmission of the second key for securing the connection between the terminal and the second access node through the data communications device via secured connections and through addressing using the address codes, wherein the second keys also include the key used for step e).

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a key distributer node (AS) for a network, which comprises: a) a memory device (1) with at least one first key, b) at least one data communication device (2) that can exchange data with first and second access nodes (MAP1, MAP2) for a terminal (STA) integrated wirelessly into the network, c) at least one processor (3) connected to the memory device (1) and the data communication device (2), wherein functions are provided for the processor(s) that allow authentication of the terminal (STA) at the second access node (MAP2) in response to a key request received by the second access node (MAP2), d) a derivation of a second key from the first key, and e) triggered transmission of the second key through the data communication device to the second access node (MAP2). Connections to the network's first and second access nodes (MAP1, MAP2) with security relationships are provided for the key distributor node (AS) when using the first key.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making safety mechanisms available in wireless mesh networks which have a plurality of nodes that are interconnected by multi-hop communication in a wireless network meshed by mesh routing in the MAC layer, every node being active as a router to forward the data traffic of the other nodes. At least two differentiated levels of confidence are defined by a type of protection (ToP) the value of which represents a specific level of confidence for the nodes and data packets, the data packets being labeled with a ToP value in the mesh header, and at least one ToP value being allocated to the participating nodes, the nodes forwarding the data packet in the mesh network using the ToP values of the node and of the data packet if this ToP value combination is admissible in the node.