Improving the security and reliability of wireless sensor networks based on an effective algorithm for boosting base station anonymity

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have shown great potential for serving a full spectrum of applications in a wide variety of environments. Of special interests are applications that operate in hostile setups such as combat zones and territorial border. These applications are categorized with the presence of adversaries who are eager to attack the network. The most effective approach for an adversary to do so is by targeting the Base-Station (BS), where the sensor data are collected in the field. By identifying and locating the BS, the adversary can launch attacks to damage or disrupt the operation of the BS. Therefore, sustaining the BS anonymity is of highest importance in WSNs. This research aims to propose an effective algorithm for boosting base station nodes anonymity to protect them from potential threats. In the first step, the distribution of more base station nodes is conducted to analyze and compare the base station anonymity of a node versus multiple base station nodes under different network topologies. In the second step, the mobility of base-stations and the effect of relocating some of the existing BS nodes to the lowest anonymity regions are conducted and analyzed. The obtained results show that using more base stations can increase the average anonymity of base station nodes; also using one mobile base station can increase the anonymity of the WSN.