Authentication Based on Logical Time

Timestamp-based authentication protocols rely on real-time synchronisation between the principals involved. This synchronisation, which involves all concerned principals agreeing on the notion of their time, is often difficult to achieve, and hence nonce-based protocols were developed. However, the principals in a timestamp-based authentication protocol can be made to synchronise to logical time. Efficient logical time systems can guarantee that processors (or principals in this case) agree on a logical time. Using this property, new protocols can be developed for various communication paradigms. We show one such protocol for interactive communication between two parties using a trusted authentication server.

Natrajan, Anand. "Authentication Based on Logical Time." University of Virginia Dept. of Computer Science Tech Report (1997).