Enhancing MTC device security in LTE networks for the fast and secure BC-based group handover authentication protocol

The increasing number of Machine-Type Communication (MTC) devices in Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks has raised concerns about security and authentication during group handovers. This work proposes a BC-based group handover authentication protocol to enhance MTC device security. The protocol utilizes a Chimp Optimization Algorithm (ChOA) to select the optimal relay node with minimal energy consumption, distance, and delay for group handover authentication. Once the optimal relay node is selected, the protocol employs block chain (BC) technology to facilitate secure and decentralized authentication when a device hands over from one node to another within a group of nodes. The BC network ensures the integrity and confidentiality of authentication data, while the COA optimizes relay node selection to reduce energy consumption, delay, and distance. Simulation results demonstrate the protocol’s effectiveness in Network lifetime, reducing authentication delay, and optimizing energy efficiency during group handovers. The proposed protocol achieves a significant reduction in energy consumption, delay, and distance, highlighting its potential for securing MTC devices in LTE networks.