Secure key management in low power wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Wireless Sensor Networks present the challenge of including robust security mechanisms in resource-constrained and low-power devices. Cryptography is at the heart of security and key management is a fundamental part of it. Adequate analysis and selection of efficient cryptographic algorithms and key management schemes are required. This paper presents a key management implementation using an FPGA device. Detailed description on the implementation of a symmetric scheme is presented to analyze the influence in computing power and power consumption by using this type of device.