Smart Agriculture IoT Network Communications Security Improvement

the technologies for low powered wide area networks (LPWAN) are readily available and utilized for performance advantages in a range of industries. The challenge for research is to identify capable radio signals that propagate over the required geographic regions and physical obstacles. Also, to design and standardize protocols with sufficient load and performance capability. The Internet of Things (IoT) is motivating the search for capable network solutions as industries, such as agriculture, seek working control solutions for their supply chain and production requirements. Critical for network performances are security features that protect communications and assure the intended message. In this research we evaluated the security features of one common LPWAN protocol for performance against alternative cryptographic security mechanisms. Performance differences are found between the default algorithm and others suggesting model design trade-offs and areas for further research. The contribution of this paper is awareness of the potential scope for improvements to IoT LPWAN communications security, and the cost trade-offs between different wireless network cryptographic solutions.