AODV-Miner: Consensus-Based Routing Using Node Reputation

TL;DR: In this article , the authors propose an AODV-like multi-hop routing protocol based on consensus inspired from blockchain's miners, which allows nodes to evaluate the behaviour of their neighbors and agree on the credibility of each node.

Abstract: With the increase of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, securing their communications is an important task. In multi-hop wireless networks, nodes must unconditionally trust their neighbours when performing routing activities. However, this is often their downfall as malicious nodes can infiltrate the network and cause disruptions during routing. We grant nodes the ability to evaluate the behaviour of their neighbours and, through consensus inspired from blockchain's miners, agree on the credibility of each node. The resulting metric is expressed as a node's reputation allowing, in the case of a malicious node, to isolate it from network operations. By illustrating this in an AODV-like multi-hop routing protocol, we can influence route selection no longer based solely upon the shortest number of hops, but also the highest overall reputation. Simulation results revealed that our approach can decrease packet drop rates by ≈ 48% in a static context when subjected to multiple black hole attacks compared to the original routing protocol.