On security study of two distance vector routing protocols for mobile ad hoc networks

Abstract

This paper compares the security properties of ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) and destination sequence distance vector (DSDV) protocols, especially the difference caused by on-demand and proactive route queries. The on-demand route query enables the malicious host to conduct real time attacks on AODV. The communication overhead of attacks on DSDV is independent of the attack methods and the width of attack targets. A single false route propagates slower in AODV than in DSDV. The detection of false destination sequence in AODV heavily depends on the mobility of hosts. False distance vector and false destination sequence attacks are studied by simulation. The delivery ratio, communication overhead, and the propagation of false routes are measured by varying the traffic load and the maximum speed of host movement. The anomalous patterns of sequence numbers detected by destination hosts can be applied to detect the false destination sequence attacks.