Hybrid Key pre-distribution scheme for wireless sensor network based on combinatorial design

Abstract

Key distribution is an important problem in wireless sensor networks where sensor nodes<br />are randomly scattered in adversarial environments.<br />Due to the random deployment of sensors, a list of keys must be pre-distributed to each sensor node before deployment. To establish a secure communication, two nodes must share common key from their key-rings. Otherwise, they can find a key- path in which ensures that either two neighboring nodes have a key in common from source to destination. Com-<br />binatorial designs are powerful mathematical tools with comprehensive and simple structures. Recently, many researchers have used combinatorial designs as key pre-distribution scheme in wireless sensor networks. In this paper we consider a hybrid key pre-distribution scheme based on Balanced Incomplete Block Design. We consider a new approach for choosing key-rings in the hybrid symmetric design to improve the connectivity and resilience. Performance and security properties of the proposed scheme are studied both analytically and computationally. The<br />obtained results show that our scheme provides better resilience than symmetric design.