A review of security in mobile ad hoc networks

In mobile ad hoc networks (MANET), the communicating nodes do not rely on fixed infrastructure which results into several challenges. The power and computational resources are limited in these networks, making security requirements different from wired or infrastructured networks. As mobile ad hoc networks use wireless links, the network is susceptible to link attacks ranging from passive eavesdropping to active impersonation, message replay and message dropping. When the nodes are mobile, they not only lack physical security but they can also be compromised easily because there is no central entity in mobile ad hoc networks. In addition, as mobile ad hoc networks are often designed for specific environments for example battlefields, the security solutions applied in traditional networks are not directly suitable for protecting them. This paper reviews various issues and techniques involved in the security of mobile ad hoc networks.