Patent attributes
In an authentication method, a first controller generates a first group key, executes first mutual authentication with devices within a group, and shares the first group key with devices that have succeeded in the first mutual authentication. When a second controller joins the group, the first controller decides which coordinator manages a group key used in common. The first controller executes second mutual authentication with the coordinator, and shares the first group key with the coordinator when the second mutual authentication is successful. The coordinator performs encrypted communication within the group using the first group key, generates a second group key when the first group key valid time runs out and before updating the first group key, executes third mutual authentication with the devices and a third controller, and updates the first group key of the devices and the third controller that have succeeded in the third authentication.
