Performance Evaluation of ESP32 Random Number Generator for LoRa Communication Security

We exploit an ESP32-based random number generator (RNG) on LoRa to secure peer-to-peer (P2P) communication. Employing the built-in ESP32 in LoRa could simplify security system designs with no additional RNG hardware required as the security layer. The random numbers generated are a nonce for the initialization vector setup in AES-CTR to enhance the randomness of the ciphertext. It is found that the generated random numbers pass the National Institute of Standards and Technology statistical test suite. This method provides insight into improving the semantic security of the encrypted message by making unique ciphertexts and using AES-Counter modes and AES-Cipher-based message authentication codes as the two layers of LoRa security to check the authenticity and integrity of the message.