Cross-Layer Secured IoT Network and Devices

This paper introduces a scalable secured network and device architecture that enhances IoT devices' security to reduce the risk of them from becoming a target of attacks. The proposed network and device architecture combines user-definable parameters, information from the physical, network and application layers to generate an encrypted unique identification key to be embedded in the IoT devices. The network architecture uses a WiFi ad-hoc mode that enables the IoT devices to authenticate among themselves during the initial network formation. The IoT devices are only allowed to join an autonomous IoT network if the devices are running the users' pre-agreed application(s), in the list of permitted devices, and have an unique identification. Both indoor and outdoor field tests were conducted. The results of the field tests showed that the proposed network and device architecture is scalable and is suitable to be deployed for IoT.