Exploring coverage and security challenges in wireless sensor networks: A survey

Abstract

This survey paper addresses critical issues related to area coverage and security in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). It highlights the essential challenges and corresponding solutions necessary for achieving effective and secure network deployments. The paper underscores the significance of integrating both coverage and security considerations in practical applications, such as environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, and surveillance. Various strategic methods for sensor deployment are discussed, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional approaches, as well as deterministic and stochastic methods. The impact of these strategies on coverage, connectivity, energy efficiency, and scalability is thoroughly analyzed. Additionally, the deployment of both homogeneous and heterogeneous sensors are explored, investigating how differing design criteria influence network deployment, operation, and security.

Key security challenges examined include encryption, authentication mechanisms, intrusion detection, resource depletion, and countermeasures for node compromise attacks. The insights gained from this analysis contribute to enhancing the reliability, energy efficiency, and overall resilience of WSNs, thereby establishing a foundation for future research on secure and efficient network deployment.