Providing Unified Security Mechanisms for MANET Network Layer

摘要

This paper investigates the applicability of IPSec into Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET) to provide security services for both routing information and data message at network layer in a unified manner. The simulation results show that IPSec outperforms Secure Ad Hoc On-demand Distance Vector (SAODV) routing protocol significantly in most cases examined. In comparison, SAODV achieves poorer network performance while providing security protection for the same routing information; moreover, an additional security mechanism is yet needed to protect data message for the comprehensive network layer security. This suggests IPSec would be a better choice for MANET security provisioning, from the simplicity of protocol implementation and management point of view, compared to other specific secure routing protocols. Further ongoing study on the comparisons of IPSec with other well accepted secure routing protocols is to confirm the generality of the conclusion drawn in this paper.