A key distribution scheme based on public key cryptography for sensor networks

Abstract

This paper takes advantages of symmetrical key and asymmetrical key technologies, and proposes a key distribution scheme based on public key cryptography. This scheme does not need to pre-distribute pair-wise keys. Pair-wise key is established between two nodes after deployment according to a specific route algorithm. The scheme can guarantee there is a direct pair-wise key between two nodes that need communication frequently. As a result, it will decrease communication overhead. Both analytical results and simulation results demonstrate that the scheme can save memory usage, and in the scenario of large and dense deployment, the scheme achieves a higher level of connectivity and robustness. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.