How to Implement Embedded Security in OMNeT++
To implement embedded security in OMNeT++, we have to simulate an environment in which the embedded nodes could communicate securely in the wireless sensor network and we need to accomplish the simple encryption and decryption for data transmission by generating security modules. In the below, we offered the step-by-step approach to implement the embedded security in OMNeT++:
Step-by-Step Implementation:
- Set Up the OMNeT++ Environment:
- Install OMNeT++: Install and configure the OMNeT++ properly on your computer.
- Install INET Framework: Download and install the INET framework, which delivers models for several network protocols containing those used in wireless networks.
- Define the Network Topology:
For secure communication, we have to generate a basic network of sensors nodes.
Example NED File (WirelessNetwork.ned):
network WirelessNetwork
{
submodules:
node1: SensorNode {
@display(“p=100,100”);
}
node2: SensorNode {
@display(“p=300,100”);
}
node3: SensorNode {
@display(“p=200,300”);
}
connections:
node1.out++ –> node2.in++;
node2.out++ –> node3.in++;
node3.out++ –> node1.in++;
}
Here, SensorNode is a custom node type we’ll state, indicating an embedded sensor node with security structures.
- Create Custom Security Modules:
In this custom module, Execute a simple encryption/decryption mechanism.
Example C++ File (SecureComm.cc):
#include <omnetpp.h>
#include “inet/common/INETDefs.h”
#include “inet/common/packet/Packet.h”
#include “inet/common/packet/chunk/ByteCountChunk.h”
using namespace omnetpp;
using namespace inet;
class SecureComm : public cSimpleModule
{
private:
std::string encryptionKey = “securekey”; // Simple symmetric key
std::string encrypt(const std::string& data) {
std::string encrypted = data;
for (size_t i = 0; i < data.size(); ++i) {
encrypted[i] = data[i] ^ encryptionKey[i % encryptionKey.size()];
}
return encrypted;
}
std::string decrypt(const std::string& data) {
return encrypt(data); // XOR decryption is the same as encryption
}
protected:
virtual void handleMessage(cMessage *msg) override {
Packet *pkt = check_and_cast<Packet*>(msg);
auto chunk = pkt->peekData<ByteCountChunk>();
std::string payload = chunk->str();
if (strcmp(“incoming”, msg->getArrivalGate()->getName()) == 0) {
// Decrypt incoming message
EV << “Decrypting message…\n”;
std::string decryptedPayload = decrypt(payload);
EV << “Decrypted message: ” << decryptedPayload << “\n”;
} else {
// Encrypt outgoing message
EV << “Encrypting message…\n”;
std::string encryptedPayload = encrypt(payload);
pkt->insertAtBack(makeShared<ByteCountChunk>(encryptedPayload));
}
send(pkt, “out”);
}
};
Define_Module(SecureComm);
- Integrate Security Module into Nodes:
Include the security module by altering the sensor node NED file.
Example NED File (SensorNode.ned):
simple SensorNode
{
gates:
input in[];
output out[];
submodules:
secureComm: SecureComm {
@display(“p=100,100”);
}
// Additional modules like network interface, application, etc.
connections:
in++ –> secureComm.in++;
secureComm.out++ –> out++;
}
This setup make sures that all messages sent from the node pass through the SecureComm module, where they are encrypted before transmission and decrypted upon reception.
- Simulate Attacks:
Simulate an attack where a malevolent node tries to overhear on communication by assessing the security.
Example Attacker Node (AttackerNode.ned):
simple AttackerNode
{
gates:
input in[];
output out[];
submodules:
listener: Attacker {
@display(“p=100,100”);
}
connections:
in++ –> listener.in++;
listener.out++ –> out++;
}
Example C++ File (Attacker.cc):
#include <omnetpp.h>
#include “inet/common/INETDefs.h”
#include “inet/common/packet/Packet.h”
#include “inet/common/packet/chunk/ByteCountChunk.h”
using namespace omnetpp;
using namespace inet;
class Attacker : public cSimpleModule
{
protected:
virtual void handleMessage(cMessage *msg) override {
Packet *pkt = check_and_cast<Packet*>(msg);
auto chunk = pkt->peekData<ByteCountChunk>();
std::string payload = chunk->str();
EV << “Intercepted message: ” << payload << “\n”; // Attempt to read encrypted data
// Forward message without altering
send(pkt, “out”);
}
};
Define_Module(Attacker);
- Run the Simulation:
- Compile and run the simulation in OMNeT++.
- Monitor the encrypted and decrypted messages in the simulation log to validate that the security mechanisms are working.
- Check the attacker’s logs to approve that the intercepted messages are not readable (that is., they are encrypted).
- Analyze the Results:
- Assess the security by analyzing how well the encryption clamps up against various kinds of attacks.
- Computes performance metrics such as latency familiarized by encryption and decryption.
- Extend the Example:
You can extend this sample execution by:
- Implementing more difficult encryption algorithms (e.g., AES).
- Attaching authentication mechanisms.
- Simulating more sophisticated attacks.
- Estimating the trade-offs amongst security strength and system performance.
We will walk you through the process of embedded security which is implemented in the wireless sensor network using the OMNeT++ and also we included some samples for you in this procedure. If you have doubts regarding this approach, reach out. For implementation and simulation results on Embedded Security using the OMNeT++ tool, reach out to the omnet-manual.com team for prompt assistance. Our developers will enhance your project performance for your research, providing you with optimal outcomes by analyzing your parameter details.