Title: LoBa128, a Lorenz-based PRNG for wireless sensor networks

Authors: Rui Miguel Silva, Rui Gustavo Crespo, Mario Serafim Nunes

Addresses: School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Beja/INESC-ID, Rua Afonso III, 1, 7800-050 Beja, Portugal; Technical Superior Institute, Technical University of Lisbon/INESC-ID, Rua Alves Redol, 9, 1000 Lisbon, Portugal. ' Technical Superior Institute, Technical University of Lisbon/INESC-ID, Rua Alves Redol, 9, 1000 Lisbon, Portugal. ' Technical Superior Institute, Technical University of Lisbon/INESC-ID, Rua Alves Redol, 9, 1000 Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract: In this paper we focus on the development of a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) to be used as a key generator for a symmetrical encryption system in a one-time-pad like environment, particularly useful for WSN. Our PRNG is based on the Lorenz chaotic system through a new approach of applicability of chaotic systems to cryptography, that we named |modular-chaos|. We evaluate our proposal using both analytical and experimental techniques that lead us to an efficient and robust solution against statistical attacks and present strong random properties. Our approach solves the problem of short-cycle length of discrete chaotic systems.

Keywords: chaos cryptography; pseudo-random number generator; PRNG; key management; wireless sensor networks; WSN; wireless networks; symmetrical encryption; statistical attacks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCNDS.2009.027596

International Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems, 2009 Vol.3 No.4, pp.301 - 318

Published online: 03 Aug 2009 *

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