Integration of Security and Fault Tolerance in Sensor Networks Based on the Analysis of Energy Consumption and Traffic

Abstract

This article examines the functioning of sensor networks as a key component of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, which facilitates integration between the physical and digital worlds. It analyzes the challenges sensor networks face, including limited resources, node failures, scalability, and security threats. The main components of sensor networks are discussed: sensors, smart elements, gateways, and communication modules that enable data collection and transmission for further analysis. Attention is drawn to the fact that sensor networks are often targets of malicious attacks, such as DDoS, Sinkhole, and routing attacks, which necessitate the development of new protection methods. The paper thoroughly examines threats from illegitimate elements in sensor networks that can disrupt network operations, cause data leaks, and affect network resilience and fault tolerance by exhausting resources. To effectively detect such nodes, it is proposed to apply mechanisms for traffic analysis, energy consumption monitoring, and encryption. The nature of failures in sensor networks and the interrelationship between fault tolerance and security are explored. Probabilities of failure for networks of different sizes are calculated, and mechanisms for improving fault tolerance, including node redundancy, self-healing algorithms, and fault tolerance mechanisms, are proposed. A methodology for detecting malicious nodes based on traffic and energy characteristics analysis is suggested. It was found that nodes exceeding threshold values for the number of transmitted packets or energy consumption may be malicious. It is noted that combining various methods will improve the accuracy of detecting malicious nodes at early stages, significantly enhancing the level of information security in sensor networks. Prospects for further research into the development of new protective mechanisms and improvements in the fault tolerance of sensor networks are highlighted.