HIMUTSIS: Hierarchical multi-tier adaptive ad-hoc network security protocol based on signcryption type key exchange schemes

Abstract

Mobile Ad-hoc networks (MANETs), providing infrastructure-free wireless instant communication, play important role in tactical military networks. However, providing security in tactical military MANETs, having very large and dynamic structure without infrastructure support in hostile environments, is a very difficult task. In order to address security problems in tactical military MANETs, we propose a new Hierarchical MUlti-Tier adaptive ad-hoc network security protocol based on SIgncryption type key exchange Schemes: HIMUTSIS. Our protocol makes contribution to the military MANETs in three major points: Architectural design, cryptographic methods used in military MANETs and key management techniques. Novel architectural design of HIMUTSIS facilitates certification and key management procedures, provides flexibility and reduces cryptographic workload of the military MANETs. In HIMUTSIS, as a novelty, we offer to use DKEUTS (Direct Key Exchange Using TimeStamp) protocol providing security and performance advantages when compared to some traditional cryptographic methods. Also, multi-security level approach provides adaptive solutions for each layer of the HIMUTSIS. As a key management technique, HIMUTSIS uses hybrid key management approach which reduces rekeying workload of the networks significantly while minimizing single point of failure risk of the military MANET. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2006.