Security in Mobile Ad-hoc Networks

Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) is a new type of communication network, which can be used for data communication between groups of mobile nodes using wireless channels. The energy constraints, poor protection of nodes in a hostile environment, and the vulnerability of security schemes have been identified as challenges for MANETs. The wireless MANETs face a larger security problem than conventional wired and wireless networks. As per recent research trends, Clustering based approach enables mobile node management, security, fault tolerance, network key management and routing in MANETs. Implementation of a secured routing protocol among the nodes of a MANET, while keeping intact the benefits of clustering, is a challenging task. In this dissertation work, we have proposed an approach for secure communication in MANETs using the concept of Clustering. The proposed approach is intended to get benefit of security by means of clustering. This dissertation researches existing routing protocols, clustering based security solutions, examines an existing clustering model, and then proposes a scheme for secure data communication.