A novel proof of work model based on pattern matching to prevent dos attack

Abstract

One of the most common types of denial of service attack on 802.11 based networks is resource depletion at AP side. APs meet such a problem through receiving flood probe or authentication requests which are forwarded by attackers whose aim are to make AP unavailable to legitimate users. The other most common type of DoS attack takes advantage of unprotected management frame. Malicious user sends deauthentication or disassociation frame permanently to disrupt the network. However 802.11w has introduced a new solution to protect management frames using WPA and WPA2, they are unprotected where WEP is used. This paper focuses on these two common attacks and proposes a solution based on letter envelop protocol and proof-of-work protocol which forces the users to solve a puzzle before completing the association process with AP. The proposed scheme is also resistant against spoofed puzzle solutions attack.