Lifetime Equalization with Key Exchanges in IEEE 802.15.4 Networks

In this paper, we analyze impact of period of key exchanges on the lifetime of interconnected IEEE 802.15.4 beacon enabled clusters. Bridges between the clusters are implemented on cluster coordinators in source clusters. Each cluster coordinator will initiate key exchange with the ordinary node or with the bridge after it receives nk data packets from the node (or bridge). We assume that all nodes are applying power management technique based on the constant event sensing reliability required by the coordinator. We evaluate node populations which will equalize cluster lifetimes in this environment.