A secure routing protocol for mobile ad-hoc networks

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) bring great challenges in security due to its high dynamics, link vulnerability, and complete decentralization. With routing being a critical aspect for MANETs, existing routing protocols, however, are not sufficient for security requirements. This paper discusses the flaws of several previous protocols. Then, a secure routing protocol TMDSR based on two-way route discovery, end-to-end integrity check and neighbor overhearing technique without working in promiscuous mode is designed. TMDSR protocol guarantees the shortest path. Security and performance analysis indicates that TMDSR offers significant security advantages over existing protocols at the expense of accepted overhead.