Implementing Cross-Layer Security Mechanisms for Drone-Gathered Road Information and Vehicle Communication Links

Abstract

Drones have become a transformative technology for gathering real-time road information, significantly enhancing the efficiency of vehicular communication networks. However, the integration of drones into these networks introduces critical security vulnerabilities, as communication links can be exploited by adversaries to compromise data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Cross-layer security mechanisms, which span multiple layers of the communication protocol stack, offer a robust solution to these challenges. This paper investigates the implementation of cross-layer security mechanisms for drone-gathered road information and vehicle communication links, focusing on the integration of authentication, encryption, and intrusion detection systems across the physical, data link, and network layers. By leveraging these mechanisms, the framework can address threats such as eavesdropping, spoofing, and denial-of-service attacks. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach significantly improves network resilience and data security while maintaining low latency and high throughput. Additionally, this work explores the trade-offs between security, system overhead, and communication performance. The findings highlight the feasibility and effectiveness of cross-layer designs in securing drone-assisted vehicular networks, setting the stage for future developments in secure and intelligent transportation systems.