An evaluation of the cost and energy consumption of security protocols in WSNs

Recent advances in wireless communications and computing technology are enabling the emergence of small, low-cost devices capable of sensing, processing and communicating. A large number of these devices are deployed in the field to create a wireless sensor network for the monitoring and controlling of physical environments. Security in wireless sensor networks is becoming more significant as new technologies emerge. Key establishment is a fundamental security service in sensor networks; it enables sensor nodes to communicate securely with others using cryptographic techniques. There are three chief protocols for securing data in wireless sensor networks, namely SPINS, BROSK, and LEAP. This paper describes and evaluates key establishment phase in these protocols and offers measurement results for energy consumption.