Method and apparatus for providing authentication in a communication system

A method comprising the steps of: generating a random number, an expected response, and an encryption key associated with the security derived communications air interface with a mobile station (401, 403, 405); directing the random number and a random seed to a base station (115, 117) which is located in a first pool of devices, wherein the first stack is associated with an intra-key for encrypting key material that is distributed within of the first stack; receiving from the base (115, 117) station, a response to the random number and the random seed; compare the response and the expected response; and when the response matches the expected response, encrypting the derived cipher key using the intra-key and direct the encrypted derived cipher key to the base (115, 117) stations.