Sensor network security issues at network layer

This paper presents an overview of the various vulnerabilities in WSN at network layer, and the defensive measures that can be taken against these threats. Resource limitations in the Wireless Sensor networks prevent us to directly apply the security mechanism of normal computer networks, a completely different set of security protocols exist for the sensor networks. Various security protocols for sensor networks have been evaluated against these vulnerabilities. Most of the attacks on some well known and widely used security protocols have been discussed, along with the possible countermeasures for these attacks. Some new emerging protocols have also been discussed in this context. Suitability of implementation of cryptographic techniques at the network layer has also been investigated for these severely resource constrained networks.