A Policy Based Scheme for Combined Data Security in Mobile Ad hoc Networks

Problem statement: In Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANET) routing protocols, we require a network-level or link layer security. Since without appropriate security provisions, the MANETs is subjected to attacks like network traffic, replay transmissions, manipulate packet headers and redirect routing messages. In order to address these needs, a policy based network management system that provides the capability to express network requirements is required. Approach: In this study, we propose a policy based scheme for combined data security which focuses mainly on three policies: Integrity, authentication and Confidentiality. For providing security not only to data, but also for routing information, we calculate the trust indexes of the nodes and the route is selected according to the trust value which improves integrity. Then in order to provide authentication, we propose a Distributed Certificate Authority (DCA) technique in which multiple DCA is required to construct a certificate. Next we propose an RSA based novel encryption mechanism in order to provide Confidentiality among the nodes. Thus, the desired level of security is provided by the system based on the policy of the user by executing the corresponding security modules. Results: By simulation results, we show that this scheme provides a combined data security in MANETs and can be used efficiently. Conclusion: Our proposed combined data security policy provides complete protection for the data in MANET communications.