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PKI operation
In a PKI-enabled network, an entity can request a local certificate from the CA and the device can check
the validity of certificates. Here is how it operates:
1. An entity submits a certificate request to the RA.
2. The RA reviews the identity of the entity and then sends the identity information and the public key
with a digital signature to the CA.
3. The CA verifies the digital signature, approves the application, and issues a certificate.
4. The RA receives the certificate from the CA, sends it to the LDAP server or other distribution point
to provide directory navigation service, and notifies the entity that the certificate is successfully
issued.
5. The entity retrieves the certificate. With the certificate, the entity can communicate with other
entities safely through encryption and digital signature.
6. The entity makes a request to the CA when it needs to revoke its certificate. The CA approves the
request, updates the CRLs and publishes the CRLs on the LDAP server or other distribution point.
PKI applications
The PKI technology can satisfy the security requirements of online transactions. As an infrastructure, PKI
has a wide range of applications. Here are some application examples.
• VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is a private data communication network built on the public
communication infrastructure. A VPN can leverage network layer security protocols (for instance,
IPsec) in conjunction with PKI-based encryption and digital signature technologies for
confidentiality.
• Secure email
Emails require confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation. PKI can address
these needs. The secure email protocol that is developing rapidly is Secure/Multipurpose Internet
Mail Extensions (S/MIME), which is based on PKI and allows for transfer of encrypted mails with
signature.
• Web security
For Web security, two peers can establish an SSL connection first for transparent and secure
communications at the application layer. With PKI, SSL enables encrypted communications
between a browser and a server. Both of the communication parties can verify each other's
identity through digital certificates.
PKI configuration task list
Task Remarks
Configuring an entity DN
Required.
Configuring a PKI domain
Required.
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