Hardware implementation of a new ECC key distribution protocol for securing Wireless Sensor Networks

Security in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is a major challenge for extending its applications. In this paper, a new protocol for key distribution in WSNs is proposed. The method, based on Elliptic Curve Cryptography, and named ECGDH-1, performs a double round key distribution, sharing a group key among the different nodes. For accelerating the scalar-point operations to be performed in each node, a hardware coprocessor with low power consumption, and 8-bit interface for sensor motes is proposed. The cryptographic processor, named ECCB163sens_bus8 allows completing a scalar-point multiplication in 240us operating at 8MHz, while consuming only 0.028mJ by operation when implemented in a Spartan 6 device.