Development of secure distributed authentication mechanisms in IETF 6TiSCH networks

This thesis presents research and development studies on developing secure distributed authentication mechanisms in IETF 6TiSCH networks. Although the RPL protocol is widely used in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) environments for low-power and lossy networks, it contains some security vulnerabilities. Specifically, attacks targeting the network topology and node resources threaten the integrity and reliability of the network. The main objective of this study is to enhance security in RPL-based 6TiSCH networks by developing distributed authentication mechanisms. To achieve this, the focus is on strategically positioning JRC-like central authorities within the network. These central authentication points perform node authentication in specific regions, distributing the load of the central authority and increasing overall network security. The aim is to carry out central authentication steps at strategic points, thereby enabling distributed node authentication. Consequently, each node can perform authentication through the nearest central point, reducing dependency on a central authority. This approach aims to solve the scalability issues inherent in centralized methods. In case of network expansion, new authentication points can be added to ensure scalability. Additionally, a simple and efficient authentication method is proposed between sensors, users, and servers. This method aims to optimize network performance and ensure security by facilitating rapid and reliable authentication between sensors and users. In conclusion, this study offers a novel and effective solution for ensuring security in RPL-based 6TiSCH networks, aiming to enhance its applicability in future IIoT applications. The proposed method aims to ensure network security while minimizing any adverse effects on performance.