A message exchange framework based on information elements as a transport method for key management protocol (KMP) datagrams and guidelines for the use of some existing KMPs with IEEE Std 802.15.4(TM) is defined in this standard. A new KMP is not created in this standard. In support of KMP transmission and reception, a generic multiplexed data service layer that can be used to transmit large packets from the upper KMP to another peer and that provides for protocol discrimination is also provided in this standard. The multiplexed data service provides a fragmentation and multiplexing layer for those packets so they can be delivered over smaller MAC layer frames and multiplexed on the recipient end to the right processing service. The multiplexing provides for EtherType protocol discrimination.

This standard defines security key management extensions to address session key generation (both 128-bit and 256-bit key lengths), the creation and/or transport of broadcast/multicast keys, and security algorithm agility. This standard maintains backwards compatibility with IEEE Std 802.15.9-2016.

This standard describes support for transporting KMP datagrams to support the security functionality present in IEEE Std 802.15.4(TM). Significant in support of KMP transport is the definition of a general purpose multiplexed (MPX) data service supporting fragmentation, re-assembly, and protocol dispatch for payloads unable to fit in a single media access control (MAC) frame.