Data link layer security protocols in Wireless Sensor Networks: A survey

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) spread widely and rapidly due to its unique features, such as their light weight, low-cost, and ad hoc nature. However, this network is vulnerable to several attacks that affect its security. Thus, securing different layers in such a network becomes an urgent necessity. In this paper, we survey several existing protocols and algorithms designed to secure the data link layer, which in turn guarantees a reliable communication link between neighboring nodes by controlling the medium access and handling the errors. The main goals of this paper are to shed the light on the current research in this field, show their strength and limitations to meet the unique constraints of WSN, and identify the essential security requirements that must be considered in future designs of data link security protocols.