Secure Time Synchronization Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network Based on µTESLA Protocol

A secure time synchronization protocol (STSP) for wireless sensor network based on uTESLA protocol is proposed according to the issues that DCS algorithm in wireless sensor network time synchronization is limited in the threats of compromised nodes, big communication cost and deficiency in coverage. Firstly, initializing the network topology based on LEACH protocol to balance the network node load and prolong network life cycle. Secondly, excluding the malicious nodes based on uTESLA protocol for making security condition check positively before the network time synchronization. Thirdly, making time synchronization quickly based on TPSN protocol for base station to cluster head node. Fourthly, making time synchronization based on HRTS protocol for cluster head nodes to their own common nodes. Lastly, making reverse authentication based on uTESLA protocol for checking and excluding the compromise nodes after the network time synchronization. The security analysis and simulation show that two times authentication ensure the absolute security of the time synchronization work in STSP, and STSP is much better than DCS in synchronization cycle, precision, ratio and cost.