temporal key (802.11i) (TK)

The WLAN standardIEEE 802.11i deals with WLAN security. The corresponding specifications describe the generation of a temporary key, Temporal Key(TK), which is used in the authentication protocol.

The Temporal Key is derived from the Pairwise Master Key( PMK) and used in the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol( TKIP) or in the Counter Mode with CBC- MAC Protocol( CCMP) for encryption on the link layer.

Temporary keys remain on the WLAN station only as long as it is connected to the access point. As soon as the connection is interrupted, it deletes the TC keys and all associated keys.