Ultra-Lightweight Key Predistribution in Wireless Sensor Networks for Monitoring Linear Infrastructure

One-dimensional wireless sensor networks are important for such security-critical applications as pipeline monitoring and perimeter surveillance. When considering the distribution of symmetric keys to secure the communication in such networks, the specific topology leads to security and performance requirements that are markedly distinct from those of the more widely-studied case of a planar network. We consider these requirements in detail, proposing a new measure for connectivity in one-dimensional environments. We show that, surprisingly, optimal results may be obtained through the use of extremely lightweight key predistribution schemes.