Cryptographic methods for secured communication in SDN‐based VANETs: A performance analysis

Abstract Vehicular ad‐hoc networks (VANETs) support features like comfort, safety, and infotainment, enhancing traffic efficiency. However, traditional VANETs struggle with dynamic and large‐scale networks due to fixed policies and complex architectures, such as constantly changing vehicle positions. Software‐defined networks (SDN) can address these challenges by offering centralized, logical control, making VANETs more flexible and programmable. While SDNs improve VANET efficiency and add security benefits, they also introduce new security risks by incorporating novel technologies and architectural elements. Since VANET services rely heavily on data communication, compromised data (e.g., modified, falsified) could significantly impact driver and vehicle safety, making secure communication vital. Security threats specific to SDNs, like vulnerabilities in centralized control or flow‐based threats exploiting dynamic routing, necessitate robust cryptographic solutions to secure vehicle communications and data exchange. Various cryptographic algorithms, differing in performance, speed, memory requirements, and key sizes, pose challenges in selecting the optimal one for SDN‐based VANETs. This study evaluated seven cryptographic algorithms, including Blowfish, data encryption standard, triple data encryption standard, Rivest–Shamir–Adleman, advanced encryption standard (AES), advanced encryption standard with elliptic curve cryptography (AES‐ECC), and advanced encryption standard with elliptic curve Diffie‐Hellman (AES‐ECDH), in a simulated SDN‐based VANET. The findings show AES‐ECDH as the most effective overall, though the best choice depends on specific deployment scenarios and application needs.