An Evaluation of Suitable Key Management Schemes in Mobile Adhoc Networks

Mobile ad hoc networks, or MANETs, are wireless networks that do not depend on a fixed infrastructure. Mobile nodes may form networks on the fly for a variety of environments including emergency rescue missions, sensor networks, military applications,and open networks of personal wireless devices. Wireless nodes can communicate directly with neighboring nodes that are within their transmission ranges. To reach nodes outside the direct transmission range, nodes depend on each other to forward their packets, creating
a multihop network with many vulnerability points. Cryptographic techniques are essential to the protection of both routing information and application data. A secure and efficient management of cryptographic keys is crucial for a reliable network service and thus the success for wireless ad hoc networks. This paper evaluates and surveys the key management schemes available for mobile adhoc network.