Lightweight key distribution for secured and energy efficient communication in wireless sensor network: An optimization assisted model

Abstract

Due to their open, expansive, and resource-constrained character, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) face significant energy, efficiency, and security issues. With a fair level of energy and resource consumption, several lightweight cryptographic techniques are introduced to increase the security as well as effectiveness of WSNs. Still, they have problems with scalability, key distribution, security, and power management. This work proposes a novel light weighted key distribution mechanism for safe and energy efficient communication in WSN. The proposed model includes stages like optimal Cluster Head Selection (CHS), improved Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC)-based encryption, and lightweight key management, respectively. In the first phase, a hybrid optimization strategy is proposed, termed as Coot updated Butterfly algorithm with Logistic Solution Space algorithm (CUBA-LSS) for optimal clustering via selecting the optimal CH. This selection process relies on the consideration of the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), energy, delay, and distance. Data transmission is the subsequent process, where the proposed algorithm ensures secured transmission through Improved ECC. At last, a lightweight key management system is determined via session key generation to protect the encryption key.