A Comparison of Trust in MANETs and WSNs

Abstract

Trust is a soft security solution for Ad-hoc Wireless Networks such as Mobile Adhoc Networks (MANETs), Wireless Sensor networks (WSNs). Due to openness of the networks a malicious node can easily join and disrupt the network. Trust models are used to discriminate between legitimate and malicious nodes in the network. The characteristics of MANETs and WSNs are different so, there are some significant differences in the Trust mechanisms also. In this paper we briefly explain some of the trust models in MANETs and WSNs. We highlight some of the important issues to be considered in designing of a new trust model. We also discuss the major differences of trust models for MANETs and WSNs.