Title: Hierarchical key rotation, isolation and sensor-based resilient protocol for wireless sensor networks

Authors: Rounak Raman; Ayush Yadav; Vatsal Chhabra; Nisha Kandhoul; Sanjay Kumar Dhurandher; Isaac Woungang; Han-Chieh Chao

Addresses: Department of Information Technology, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, India ' Department of Information Technology, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, India ' Department of Information Technology, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, India ' Department of Information Technology, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, India ' Department of Information Technology, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi, India; National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, New Delhi, India ' Department of Computer Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada ' Department of Applied informatics, Fo Guang University, Jiaoxi, Yilan, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Artificial Intelligence, Tamkang University, Tamsui, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Electrical Engineering, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC; Institute of Computer Science and Innovation, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Ilan University, Taiwan, ROC

Abstract: Ensuring a robust and secure wireless sensor network (WSN) remains a critical challenge, particularly against both internal and external threats. This paper presents a novel protocol - hierarchical key rotation, isolation, and sensor-based resilient protocol (HKRISRP) - designed to address the inherent security vulnerabilities in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This approach tackles the critical challenges of dynamic threat detection and resource constraints by employing a hierarchical network architecture that integrates dynamic key rotation, lightweight encryption, and an adaptive cluster head re-election mechanism. This methodology not only enhances data confidentiality and integrity but also ensures energy efficiency and rapid threat isolation. Empirical results from both OMNeT+ + simulations and hardware prototype evaluations demonstrate a throughput of 10,000 bps, an average remaining energy level of 82%, and a mean resolution time of 0.8 sec, significantly outperforming existing solutions. By introducing a robust framework for proactive threat prevention and isolation, HKRISRP offers a scalable and resilient solution for applications in military surveillance, border security, and industrial IoT environments.

Keywords: wireless sensor networks; WSNs; IoT security; hierarchical network; Arduino; NRF module; OMNeT+ +; border security.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAHUC.2026.153826

International Journal of Ad Hoc and Ubiquitous Computing, 2026 Vol.52 No.1, pp.29 - 48

Received: 21 Sep 2024
Accepted: 31 Mar 2025
Published online: 27 May 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article