Epidemic Model based Security Analysis of Firefly Clock Synchronization in Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper discusses the security of the clock synchronization algorithm based on the biological example of Asian Fireflies in wireless sensor networks. Huge swarms of these fireflies use the principle of pulse coupled oscillators in order to synchronously emit light flashes to attract mating partners. When applying this algorithm to real sensor networks, the potential threat of hostile flashes may disturb this synchronization. An improved Reachback Firefly Algorithm is implemented in the MAC layer of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), which change coupling strength among oscillators to anti hostile attack in clock synchronization. Its security is analyzed through a Susceptible-Infective-Recovered epidemic model. Numerical results and simulations are provided for further understanding of the analysis.