Title: A key-distribution mechanism for wireless sensor networks using Zig-Zag product

Authors: H. Shafiei; A. Khonsari; M.S. Talebi; M. Ould-Khaoua

Addresses: ECE Department, University of Tehran, School of Computer Science (IPM), P.O. Box 19395-5746, Iran ' ECE Department, University of Tehran, School of Computer Science (IPM), P.O. Box 19395-5746, Iran ' School of Computer Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), P.O. Box 19395-5746, Tehran, Iran ' ECE Department, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khodh, P.C. 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

Abstract: Secure communication in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) necessitates utilisation of efficient key distribution mechanisms. Several works using probabilistic, deterministic, and hybrid methods have been conducted to address key distribution among nodes. In this paper, we propose a method to distribute key-chains utilising expander graphs based on the Zig-Zag product. Given a set of constraints such as network size, storage, and radio range, we are able to construct a resilient key distribution graph. The main advantage of the obtained method is attaining a shorter key-path length compared with previously proposed approaches. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.

Keywords: network security; wireless sensor networks; WSNs; key distribution; expander graphs; secure communications; simulation; wireless networks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAHUC.2012.049280

International Journal of Ad Hoc and Ubiquitous Computing, 2012 Vol.11 No.1, pp.1 - 10

Received: 19 Apr 2010
Accepted: 28 Mar 2011

Published online: 29 Sep 2012 *

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