Secure Data Transmission based on Link Compromise Metric using Multipath Routing in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Abstract

In mobile ad hoc networks, various routing methods are adapted to incorporate optimized path discovery. The routing decisions are based on a routing metric that ensures the discovery of the best possible path to a destination. While the routing protocols focus on optimizing numerous parameters such as energy, throughput, delay, hop count, etc., the security aspect is often ignored or not incorporated in a path discovery process. In order to enhance data security in MANETs, we propose a routing metric to address reliability by discovering multiple secure paths. A new routing algorithm is proposed to generate multiple routes with low compromise probability by introducing the Link Compromise Metric. The proposed routing protocol is suitable for dynamic ad hoc networks where topology change is frequent and unpredictable. The data is fragmented and divided into shares and transmitted over multiple secure paths to the destination. The simulation results show improvement in path compromise probability and reliability in comparison with other prevailing routing metrics. It can be seen in simulation results that the ratio of compromised paths is decreased significantly by implementing the proposed routing algorithm and security aspect of the data routing is also improved.