Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with deriving group keys used to securely communicate in a wireless mesh network are described. According to one embodiment, a controller, for calculating group keys used to secure communications to a plurality of remote devices in a network, includes a key logic configured to calculate a group key by using a group master key and unique information about a remote device of the plurality of remote devices. The plurality of remote devices are configured in a mesh topology. The group key is for securing communications with the remote device. The controller also includes a communication logic configured to secure a communication by using the group key. The communication is to be transmitted to the remote device.