Comprehensive Analysis of Sinkhole Attack on RPL in Static, Mobile, and Hybrid Network Environment

The Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) is extensively utilized in Internet of Things (IoT) environments due to its efficiency in managing constrained devices. However, it is especially prone to Sinkhole attacks, when rogue nodes post bogus routing metrics, contributing to large interruptions in network performance. These attacks degrade packet delivery, introduce delays, and drain energy, especially in dynamic networks. While several studies have explored the repercussions of Sinkhole attacks in static networks, little emphasis has been devoted to how these attacks influence mobile and hybrid network environments, where node movement and diverse topologies offer extra obstacles. Understanding the comparative repercussions of Sinkhole attacks in different contexts is crucial for building appropriate security tactics. This study gives a detailed simulation-based analysis utilizing Contiki 3.0 and the Cooja simulator to analyze the impact of Sinkhole attacks on static, mobile, and hybrid networks. Simulations were done with varied node densities (10, 20, and 30 nodes) and different percentages of malicious nodes (10%, 20%, and 30%). Performance parameters such as Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), Average End-to-End Delay (AE2ED), overhead packets, energy consumption, and throughput were measured across all circumstances. The results reveal that mobile networks are the most vulnerable to Sinkhole attacks, with considerable losses in PDR and increases in energy usage and delay. Static networks offer more stable performance but are prone to long-term degradation when malicious nodes remain established. Hybrid networks demonstrate various consequences, with static attackers generating limited damage and mobile attackers spreading disturbance across the network. These results underline the necessity for individualized security solutions based on the unique network environment. Static networks demand rapid detection and isolation procedures, whereas mobile and hybrid networks benefit from dynamic, adaptive security solutions.