Fast, Seamless Rekeying In Wireless Sensor Networks

We extend the probabilistic key-based approach for wireless sensor networks concerning the slow rekeying and path key reestablishment processes. By introducing a novel, energy efficient, distributed, and faster scheme, we attempt to replace the existing ordinary rekeying method of probabilistic key management scheme through a deterministic algorithm that works on both the base station and on each communicating pair of sensor nodes. The node predetermines the backup link key for a future key revocation and switches to the backup key when needed without further interrupting the base station or the key server This scheme assures high level of security in rekeying operation, and at the same time reduces the rekeying cost very significantly.