Fault and intrusion tolerance in wireless ad hoc networks

Current algorithms for distributed applications, such as the wireless GRID, for wireless ad hoc networks (WAHN) contain a few mechanisms for providing robust/tolerant network operation in the face of security attacks launched on the network by intruders. One approach to address thus issue is to design these applications for WAHNs in a way that they can handle intruder-induced malicious faults. However, this presents several drawbacks, including the considerable investment that it can induce. We present a new approach for building intrusion tolerant WAHN. The approach relies on extending the capabilities of existing applications to handle intruders without modifying their structure. We describe a new network mechanism for resource allocation using capabilities for detecting and recovering from intruder induced malicious faults. We also present a wireless router component that allows these mechanisms to be added to existing wireless nodes.