A Framework for Security-Enhanced Peer-to-Peer Applications in Mobile Cellular Networks

Due to the dual trends of increasing cellular network transmission capacity and coverage as well as improving computational capacity, storage and intelligence of mobile handsets, mobile peer-to-peer (MP2P) networking is emerging an attractive research field in recent years. However, these trends have not been clearly articulated in perspective of both technology and business. In this paper, we propose a novel MP2P framework that is based on existing cellular network architecture to provide secure and efficient P2P file sharing for 3G and future 4G systems. Our framework, which is built on P2P over Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) mechanism, provides to network operators and P2P service providers efficient data transmission in cellular networks. With a secure enhancement using identity-based cryptography, the framework also provides desirable support for security, group management, mobility, and chargeability to meet business requirements.