An Internal Node Reprogrammable Security Scheme Based on IEEE 802.15.6 in Wireless Body Area Networks

Reprogramming is a mechanism for software upgrade in the deployed devices. It is used to repair bugs in the running of the device or change the software function of the device according to the new requirements. Because the wireless body area network (WBAN) needs long-term operation, the software maintenance of the node is unavoidable. The traditional reprogramming technique can upgrade the nodes through the serial communications. However, for the internal node implanted in the WBAN, the serial port upgrade requires extra surgery. It is inconvenient and costly for the patients. Therefore, using the Over-The-Air approach for software upgrades is more suitable for the WBAN internal nodes situations. Due to the vulnerability caused by the openness of wireless networks, we propose a reprogrammable security scheme for WBAN internal nodes based on IEEE 802.15.6 protocol. It guarantees the safety in the reprogramming process based on the temporary key and the master key between the nodes and sinks.