Securing OLSR Using Node Locations

Abstract

In this paper we examine security issues related to the Optimized Link State Routing protocol, a proactive routing protocol for MANETs. We enumerate a number of possible attacks against the integrity of the OLSR routing infrastructure, and present a technique for securing the network. In particular, we concentrate on the remaining attacks when a mechanism of digitally signed routing messages is deployed and an attacker may have taken control over trusted nodes. Our solution is based on inclusion of the geographical position of the sending node in control messages, and on evaluation of verisimilitude of links; this is accomplished using a GPS device and a directional antenna embedded in each node.