Cluster-Based Reputation and Trust for Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

Using a reputation-based trust framework for wireless sensor networks we introduce a mechanism that prevents the election of compromised or malicious nodes as cluster heads, through trust based decision making. We employ a secure cluster formation algorithm to facilitate the establishment of trusted clusters via pre-distributed keys. Reputation and trust is built over time and allow the continuation of trusted cluster heads elections. We performed an evaluation of our approach through simulations. The results indicate clear advantages of our approach in protecting the information of our network by preventing the election of untrustworthy cluster heads.