Integrating LightSaber KEM into CoJP for Quantum-Resistant Key Distribution in 6TiSCH Networks

Hakan Aydın

doi:10.31466/kfbd.1832635

TR EN

6TiSCH Ağlarında Kuantum Dayanıklı Anahtar Dağıtımı için LightSaber KEM'in CoJP'ye Entegre Edilmesi

Abstract

Bu çalışma, 6TiSCH ağlarında kullanılan CoJP’e, kafes tabanlı bir Anahtar Kapsülleme Mekanizması olan LightSaber’in entegre edilmesi yoluyla kuantum-dirençli bir geliştirme sunmaktadır. Önerilen yaklaşım, cihaz ağa katılım sürecinde bağlantı katmanı oturum anahtarı (K2) dağıtımı için geleneksel olarak kullanılan mevcut PSK tabanlı kimlik doğrulama prosedürünü koruyarak kuantum-dirençli bir alternatifle değiştirmektedir. Özellikle, KEM aracılığıyla elde edilen paylaşılan gizli değer, bağlam-temelli bir anahtar türetme süreci ile birleştirilerek IEEE 802.15.4 AES-CCM için gerekli olan 128-bit K2anahtarı güvenli biçimde üretilmektedir. LightSaber, modüler bir kriptografik bileşen olarak Contiki-NG işletim sistemine taşınmış ve endüstriyel araştırmalarda kullanılan ARM Cortex-M3 tabanlı bir IIoT test platformu olan Mahmote donanımı üzerinde doğrulanmıştır. Entegrasyon, gerçekçi IIoT dağıtım koşullarını yansıtan 30 düğümlü bir topoloji kullanılarak Cooja simülasyon ortamında değerlendirilmiştir. Hesaplama gecikmesi ve bellek kullanımı gibi performans metrikleri analiz edilmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar, LightSaber’in kısıtlı kaynaklara sahip ortamlarda işlem ve bellek yükü açısından belirgin bir ek maliyet getirdiğini ve bu nedenle ağa dahil olma sürecinde TSCH zaman dilimi süresinin geçici olarak uzatılmasını gerektirdiğini göstermektedir. Bununla birlikte, önerilen yaklaşım, gömülü platformların operasyonel kısıtlarını ihlal etmeden bağlantı katmanı oturum anahtarının kuantum-dirençli biçimde dağıtılmasını sağlamaktadır. Bu bulgular, kaynak kısıtlı endüstriyel IoT sistemlerinde kuantum-sonrası kriptografinin uygulanabilirliğine ilişkin hem potansiyeli hem de pratik zorlukları ortaya koymaktadır.

Keywords

6TiSCH, Kuantum sonrası kriptografi, Anahtar dağıtımı, Anahtar kapsülleme mekanizması, LightSaber

Integrating LightSaber KEM into CoJP for Quantum-Resistant Key Distribution in 6TiSCH Networks

Abstract

This paper presents a post-quantum–resistant enhancement to the Constrained Join Protocol used in 6TiSCH networks by integrating LightSaber, a lattice-based Key Encapsulation Mechanism (KEM). The proposed approach replaces the PSK-based transport mechanism for distributing the link-layer session key (K2) traditionally used during the device bootstrapping phase with a quantum-resistant alternative, while preserving the existing PSK-based authentication procedure. Specifically, a KEM-established shared secret is combined with a context-bound key derivation process to securely generate the 128-bit K2 required by the IEEE 802.15.4 AES-CCM engine. LightSaber is ported and adapted to the Contiki-NG operating system as a modular cryptographic component and validated on the Mahmote hardware platform, which represents an ARM Cortex-M3 IIoT testbed used in industrial research. The integration is evaluated via Cooja simulations using a 30-node topology that reflects realistic IIoT deployment conditions. Performance metrics, including computational latency and memory usage, are analyzed. The results indicate that while LightSaber introduces notable processing and memory overhead, requiring temporary TSCH slot-duration extension in constrained environments, its adoption provides quantum-resistant distribution of the operational link-layer session key without violating the operational constraints of embedded platforms. These findings highlight both the promise and the practical challenges of implementing post-quantum cryptography in resource-constrained industrial IoT systems.

Keywords

6TiSCH, Post-quantum cryptography, Key distribution, Key encapsulation mechanism, LightSaber

Ethical Statement

The author declares that this study complies with Research and Publication Ethics.

Thanks

The authors extend their sincere gratitude to Mavi Alp Information Technologies for their continued support throughout this work. Their expertise in Industrial IoT hardware design and contributions to protocol development provided valuable insights that greatly facilitated the experimental evaluation of post-quantum mechanisms in constrained 6TiSCH networks. The authors also express their deep appreciation to Assoc. Prof. Sedat GÖRMÜŞ for his guidance, constructive feedback, and invaluable academic support, which significantly strengthened the quality and rigor of this study. The authors further thank Deniz TUNÇ for his technical assistance and valuable contributions during the implementation and testing phases of the LightSaber–CoJP integration.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Computer Software

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Hakan Aydın ^*
0000-0002-4057-3693
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 26, 2026

Submission Date

November 29, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 22, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 16 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31466/kfbd.1832635

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA87NS22EH

APA

Aydın, H. (2026). Integrating LightSaber KEM into CoJP for Quantum-Resistant Key Distribution in 6TiSCH Networks. Karadeniz Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, 16(2), 527-557. https://doi.org/10.31466/kfbd.1832635

AMA

1.Aydın H. Integrating LightSaber KEM into CoJP for Quantum-Resistant Key Distribution in 6TiSCH Networks. KFBD. 2026;16(2):527-557. doi:10.31466/kfbd.1832635

Chicago

Aydın, Hakan. 2026. “Integrating LightSaber KEM into CoJP for Quantum-Resistant Key Distribution in 6TiSCH Networks”. Karadeniz Fen Bilimleri Dergisi 16 (2): 527-57. https://doi.org/10.31466/kfbd.1832635.

EndNote

Aydın H (March 1, 2026) Integrating LightSaber KEM into CoJP for Quantum-Resistant Key Distribution in 6TiSCH Networks. Karadeniz Fen Bilimleri Dergisi 16 2 527–557.

IEEE

[1]H. Aydın, “Integrating LightSaber KEM into CoJP for Quantum-Resistant Key Distribution in 6TiSCH Networks”, KFBD, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 527–557, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.31466/kfbd.1832635.

ISNAD

Aydın, Hakan. “Integrating LightSaber KEM into CoJP for Quantum-Resistant Key Distribution in 6TiSCH Networks”. Karadeniz Fen Bilimleri Dergisi 16/2 (March 1, 2026): 527-557. https://doi.org/10.31466/kfbd.1832635.

JAMA

1.Aydın H. Integrating LightSaber KEM into CoJP for Quantum-Resistant Key Distribution in 6TiSCH Networks. KFBD. 2026;16:527–557.

MLA

Aydın, Hakan. “Integrating LightSaber KEM into CoJP for Quantum-Resistant Key Distribution in 6TiSCH Networks”. Karadeniz Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 16, no. 2, Mar. 2026, pp. 527-5, doi:10.31466/kfbd.1832635.

Vancouver

1.Hakan Aydın. Integrating LightSaber KEM into CoJP for Quantum-Resistant Key Distribution in 6TiSCH Networks. KFBD. 2026 Mar. 1;16(2):527-5. doi:10.31466/kfbd.1832635

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6TiSCH Ağlarında Kuantum Dayanıklı Anahtar Dağıtımı için LightSaber KEM'in CoJP'ye Entegre Edilmesi

Abstract

Keywords

Integrating LightSaber KEM into CoJP for Quantum-Resistant Key Distribution in 6TiSCH Networks

Abstract

Keywords

Ethical Statement

Thanks

References

Details

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Subjects

Journal Section

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Publication Date

Submission Date

Acceptance Date

Published in Issue

DOI

IZ

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