Efficient Distribution of Trust Authority Functions in Tactical Networks

In this paper we describe an algorithm for the distribution of trust authority functions such as key generation and distribution in tactical mobile ad hoc networks. Such networks cannot rely on existing infrastructures and must operate under severe resource constraints. Moreover, network partitioning and node failure, including Byzantine failures must be compensated in tactical networks. We propose the combination of metrics on both network state and beliefs or trust in other nodes to form a composite metric for use in a clustering algorithm. The effectiveness and other characteristics of this improved clustering algorithm are then evaluated and analyzed in a simulation environment, demonstrating a significant improvement over the baseline clustering algorithm.