LIGER: implementing efficient hybrid security mechanisms for heterogeneous sensor networks

The majority of security schemes available for sensor networks assume deployment in areas without access to a wired infrastructure. More specifically, nodes in these networks are unable to leverage key distribution centers (KDCs) to assist them with key management. In networks with a heterogeneous mix of nodes, however, it is not unrealistic to assume that some more powerful nodes have at least intermittent contact with a backbone network. For instance, an air-deployed battlefield network may have to operate securely for some time until uplinked friendly forces move through the area. We therefore propose LIGER, a hybrid key management scheme for heterogeneous sensor networks that allows systems to operate in both the presence and absence of a KDC. Specifically, when no KDC is available, nodes communicate securely with each other based upon a probabilistic unbalanced method of key management. The ability to access a KDC allows nodes to probabilistically authenticate neighboring devices...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: MOBISYS
• Authors: Patrick Traynor, Raju Kumar, Hussain Bin Saad, Guohong Cao, Thomas F. La Porta
• Keywords: Heterogeneous Sensor Networks, KDC Allows Nodes, MOBISYS 2006, Probabilistic Key Management, Wireless Networks