Efficient and Secure Multi-Tier Routing Framework for Energy-Constrained Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are increasingly deployed in resource-constrained and hostile environments for critical applications such as environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and structural auditing. However, their real-world efficacy is severely limited by battery energy constraints and high vulnerability to routing-layer security threats. Conventional cryptographic solutions incur excessive computational overhead, while standard energy-efficient routing protocols often neglect security. To resolve this trade-off, this paper proposes an integrated, multi-tier optimization framework combining three novel algorithms: Proficient Secure Cluster Head Selection (PSCH), Total Path Trust Assessment Routing (TPTAR), and Energy-Proficient, Secure, and Trust-Based Shortest Path Optimized Routing (EST-SPOR). The proposed architecture utilizes fuzzy logic for cluster-head selection, a dynamic trust evaluation model combining direct and reference trust metrics, and an optimized shortest-path routing mechanism based on Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) principles. Simulation analyses conducted in NS-3 demonstrate that the framework achieves superior performance in terms of Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), energy conservation, end-to-end latency, and resilience against malicious routing attacks compared to existing baseline protocols.

Key Words: Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), Cluster Head Selection, Trust Management, Energy Efficiency and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)

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