Impact of Various Network Attacks on Time Synchronization in Cognitive Radio

Abstract

Time synchronization in CRNs is a demanding task due to the dynamic and cooperative nature of these networks. DCR-Sync, a novel time synchronization protocol for CRNs is proposed. DCR-Sync is fully distributed and resilient towards failure of root nodes, i.e., the nodes which play the role of master on the synchronization process. We present DCR-Sync in two versions. The first version is static in nature, and the second version can adapt dynamically to network changes. This protocol aims to be distributed and reliable even in root node failure. DCR-Sync following two versions, called DCRSync1 and DCR-Sync2. The former deals mainly with static networks in nature, and it is more suitable for physical time synchronization. The latter considers dynamic face of synchronization root node failures. It is more suitable for logical time synchronization. Both versions offer easy adaptation to changes in network topology, a feature not supported by other existing protocols. Hence, this proposal is better congruous to the needs of networks with mobile topologies. The various classes of attacks and its impact on time synchronization and other parameters is mentioned along with the ways to mitigate the attacks.