Dynamic Leader Selection Protocol for secure Out-of-Coverage D2D Group Communications in 5G Networks

The advent of 5G networks has revolutionized wireless communication, enabling device-to-device (D2D) interactions and promoting effective group communication among users. However, in out-of-coverage scenarios where the base station is absent, managing D2D group communications becomes a challenge. This paper proposes a dynamic leader selection protocol that efficiently coordinates D2D user equipment (UE) by electing a D2D device as the group leader. The protocol ensures that each session assigns a leader from among the group members to act as a central station. To guarantee the selection of reliable leaders, we introduce robust measurements of self-confidence, risk control, and confidence. These measurements prevent malicious devices from assuming leadership roles. Furthermore, they identify colluding devices or any suspicious behavior, enabling timely intervention and mitigation of potential attacks. Through performance evaluation, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed protocol.