Using Trust to Establish a Secure Routing Model in Cognitive Radio Network

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Network Security
• Wireless Communication

Background:

• Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) face security challenges, particularly selective forwarding attacks that disrupt routing.
• Existing routing protocols may not adequately address the dynamic nature and spectrum allocation requirements of CRNs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel trust-based secure routing model for CRNs.
• To enhance network security and efficiency against selective forwarding attacks.
• To integrate routing with spectrum allocation for improved network operation.

Main Methods:

• A trust-based model is developed by monitoring node forwarding behaviors to identify malicious nodes.
• Route requests incorporate available spectrum opportunities, sent only to non-malicious nodes.
• Routing decisions combine node trust levels and delay measurements, with differentiated responses based on trust classification.

Main Results:

• The proposed model effectively identifies malicious nodes and mitigates selective forwarding attacks.
• Simulation results demonstrate improved network throughput and reduced end-to-end delay.
• Stricter punishments for malicious behavior incentivize cooperation among nodes.

Conclusions:

• The trust-based secure routing model offers a robust solution for enhancing security in CRNs.
• Integration of trust, spectrum awareness, and adaptive responses improves overall network performance.
• The model effectively balances security needs with efficient routing in dynamic CRN environments.