Performance analysis of data aggregation and security in WSN-satellite integrated networks

Recently there has been an exponential rise in the use of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) in various applications. While WSNs have been primarily used as independent networks, researchers are now looking into ways of integrating them with other existing networks. One such network is the satellite network which provides a reliable communication backbone to remote areas that lack appropriate terrestrial infrastructure. However, due to the integration of the two networks with different transmission and operational characteristics interoperability and security become major concerns. This paper presents an ns-2 based simulation framework of a WSN-satellite integrated network that is used to evaluate the effects of data aggregation and security mechanisms on overall network performance. The average end-to-end packet delay, overall energy consumption and aggregation efficiency are considered for this analysis. This paper also looks into the effects of implementing hop-by-hop security and end-to-end security and justifies the need for end-to-end security in the WSN-satellite integrated networks.