SpartanRPC: Remote Procedure Call Authorization in Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

We describe SpartanRPC, a secure middleware technology that supports cooperation between distinct security domains in wireless sensor networks. SpartanRPC extends nesC to provide a link-layer remote procedure call (RPC) mechanism, along with an enhancement of configuration wirings that allow specification of remote, dynamic endpoints. RPC invocation is secured via an authorization logic that enables servers to specify access policies and requires clients to prove authorization. This mechanism is implemented using a combination of symmetric and public key cryptography. We report on benchmark testing of a prototype implementation and on an application of the framework that supports secure collaborative use and administration of an existing WSN data-gathering system.