A survey of secure time synchronization

Ying Weng; Yiming Zhang

doi:10.3390/app13063923

A survey of secure time synchronization

Ying Weng, Yiming Zhang

School of Computer Science

Research output: Journal Publication › Review article › peer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Today, the use of wireless sensor networks has grown rapidly; however, wireless sensor networks are prone to receiving cyber-physical attacks. Time synchronization is a fundamental requirement for protocols in wired and wireless sensor network applications; hence, secure time synchronization is also crucial. This paper presents an introduction to time synchronization, including the concepts, challenges, and requirements of time synchronization protocols. The scope of the paper includes both software- and hardware-based protocols. Then, different time synchronization methods are analyzed. Moreover, research progress in secure time synchronization is reviewed. The survey also discusses the weaknesses of current secure time synchronization protocols and provides suggestions for future research directions. This survey aims to highlight research progress and trends in time synchronization and secure time synchronization.

Original language	English
Article number	3923
Journal	Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
Volume	13
Issue number	6
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063923
Publication status	Published - Mar 2023

Keywords

security
time synchronization
wired networks
wireless sensor networks

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Materials Science
Instrumentation
General Engineering
Process Chemistry and Technology
Computer Science Applications
Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

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10.3390/app13063923Licence: CC BY

Cite this

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abstract = "Today, the use of wireless sensor networks has grown rapidly; however, wireless sensor networks are prone to receiving cyber-physical attacks. Time synchronization is a fundamental requirement for protocols in wired and wireless sensor network applications; hence, secure time synchronization is also crucial. This paper presents an introduction to time synchronization, including the concepts, challenges, and requirements of time synchronization protocols. The scope of the paper includes both software- and hardware-based protocols. Then, different time synchronization methods are analyzed. Moreover, research progress in secure time synchronization is reviewed. The survey also discusses the weaknesses of current secure time synchronization protocols and provides suggestions for future research directions. This survey aims to highlight research progress and trends in time synchronization and secure time synchronization.",

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N2 - Today, the use of wireless sensor networks has grown rapidly; however, wireless sensor networks are prone to receiving cyber-physical attacks. Time synchronization is a fundamental requirement for protocols in wired and wireless sensor network applications; hence, secure time synchronization is also crucial. This paper presents an introduction to time synchronization, including the concepts, challenges, and requirements of time synchronization protocols. The scope of the paper includes both software- and hardware-based protocols. Then, different time synchronization methods are analyzed. Moreover, research progress in secure time synchronization is reviewed. The survey also discusses the weaknesses of current secure time synchronization protocols and provides suggestions for future research directions. This survey aims to highlight research progress and trends in time synchronization and secure time synchronization.

AB - Today, the use of wireless sensor networks has grown rapidly; however, wireless sensor networks are prone to receiving cyber-physical attacks. Time synchronization is a fundamental requirement for protocols in wired and wireless sensor network applications; hence, secure time synchronization is also crucial. This paper presents an introduction to time synchronization, including the concepts, challenges, and requirements of time synchronization protocols. The scope of the paper includes both software- and hardware-based protocols. Then, different time synchronization methods are analyzed. Moreover, research progress in secure time synchronization is reviewed. The survey also discusses the weaknesses of current secure time synchronization protocols and provides suggestions for future research directions. This survey aims to highlight research progress and trends in time synchronization and secure time synchronization.

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A survey of secure time synchronization

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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