RPL-based attack detection approaches in IoT networks: review and taxonomy

Abstract

The Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) plays a crucial role in the Internet of Things (IoT) and Wireless Sensor Networks. However, ensuring the RPL protocol’s security is paramount due to its susceptibility to various attacks. These attacks disrupt data transmission and can substantially damage network topology by depleting critical resources. This paper presents a comprehensive survey addressing several key components in response to this challenge. Firstly, it categorizes potential attacks targeting the RPL protocol based on their impact on network performance and explores effective mechanisms to secure the protocol against them. The study identifies the most destructive and problematic threats affecting RPL functionality. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights into the security challenges of the RPL protocol and discusses their real-world implications for deploying and maintaining IoT and sensor networks. To underscore the uniqueness of the survey, we offer a qualitative comparison with other surveys in the same field. While this study acknowledges certain limitations, such as intentionally focusing only on reviewing RPL-specific attacks, it is a valuable reference for future researchers seeking to comprehend and mitigate attacks targeting RPL. It also suggests areas for further research in this domain.