Abstract

Wireless sensor network (WSN) nodes communicate securely using pre-installed cryptographic keys. Although key pre-installation makes nodes less expensive, the technical process of installing keys prevents average users from deploying and controlling their own WSNs. Wireless pairing enables users to set up WSNs without pre-installing keys, but current pairing techniques introduce numerous concerns regarding security, hardware expense, and usability. This thesis introduces dynamic Near Field Communication (NFC) pairing, a new pairing technique designed for WSNs. This pairing overcomes the limitations of both key pre-installation and current pairing techniques. Dynamic NFC pairing is as secure as using pre-installed keys, requires only inexpensive NFC hardware, and is easy to use since the user simply holds nodes close together to add them to a network. A sample application shows the power of dynamic NFC pairing. The user adds sensors and actuators to a WSN by holding each node close to a central node or network coordinator. Data readings stream instantly from each sensor to a web page where the user may view data as well as click buttons to cause events to occur on the actuators. This happens quickly and securely without exposing the user to the complexity of cryptographic keys.

Degree

College and Department

Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Computer Science

Rights

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