A systematic security analysis of the AODV protocol

Abstract

<p>Wireless networks are becoming a pervasive element of today's computing. With this growth a new type of network is being researched, the ad-hoc network. Wireless ad-hoc networks bring the advantage of flexibility because of the dynamic way that they are formed and left. Looking at these networks, with scenarios such as a tactical battlefield in mind, gives rise to many security issues. Because of the relative newness of wireless ad-hoc networks there is no standard routing protocol for the network layer. Many protocols have been proposed, and this thesis will examine one of the more popular protocols, Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector Routing. With the growing need for security in mind, an analysis of this protocol will be done with relation to the security threats that are prevalent on today's tactical wireless networks. This will then determine the usability of the protocol in such environments were security is a key factor.</p>