Node-Based QoS-Aware Security Framework for Sinkhole Attacks in Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks

Most networks strive to provide good security and an acceptable level of performance. Quality of service (QoS) plays an important role in the performance of a network. Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are a decentralized and self-configuring type of wireless network. MANETs are generally challenging and the provision of security and QoS becomes a huge challenge. Many researchers in literature have proposed parallel mechanisms that investigate either security or QoS. This paper presents a security framework that is QoS-aware in MANETs using a network protocol called optimized link state routing protocol (OLSR). Security and QoS targets may not necessarily be similar but this framework seeks to bridge the gap for the provision of an optimal functioning MANET. The framework is evaluated for throughput, jitter, and delay against a sinkhole attack presented in the network. The contributions of this paper are (a) implementation of a sinkhole attack using OLSR, (b) the design and implementation of a lightweight-intrusion detection system using OLSR, and (c) a framework that removes fake routes and bandwidth optimization. The simulation results revealed that the QoS-aware framework increased the performance of the network by more than 70% efficiency in terms of network throughput. Delay and jitter levels were reduced by close to 85% as compared to when the network was under attack.