4-way handshake optimization

A computer readable storage medium storing instructions thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

• transmit a first open authentication frame to a responding entity via a wireless interface, wherein the first open authentication frame comprises information that helps the responding entity to identify a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) and a first random number;
• receive a second open authentication frame from the responding entity, wherein the second open authentication frame comprises a second random number;
• transmit an association request frame to the responding entity via the wireless interface, wherein the association request frame is encrypted with at least part of a Pairwise Transient Key (PTK) derived by the initiating entity from the PMK;
• and
• receive an association response frame from the responding entity, wherein the association response frame is encrypted with at least part of the PTK derived by the responding entity from the PMK.

A responding entity comprising processor circuitry configured to:

• receive a first open authentication frame from an initiating entity, wherein the first open authentication frame comprises information that helps the responding entity to identify a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) and a first random number;
• transmit a second open authentication frame to the initiating entity via a wireless interface, wherein the second open authentication frame comprises a second random number;
• receive an association request frame from the initiating entity, wherein the association request frame is encrypted with at least part of a Pairwise Transient Key (PTK) derived by the initiating entity from the PMK;
• and
• transmit an association response frame to the initiating entity via the wireless interface, wherein the association response frame is encrypted with at least part of the PTK derived by the responding entity from the PMK.