SEEDD: A Secure and Sustainable Device Discovery Protocol for D2D Communication

Abstract

Device-to-Device (D2D) communication is a cornerstone technology in 5G and beyond networks, enabling direct
communication between user devices without routing through base stations. While it significantly enhances spectral
efficiency and reduces latency, key challenges such as energy consumption, secure device discovery, and authentication persist, especially in dynamic IoT environments. This paper proposes an integrated framework that combines energyefficient strategies with secure device discovery mechanisms to ensure robust and sustainable D2D communication. The study presents a hybrid model leveraging adaptive neighbor discovery and lightweight cryptographic techniques to balance energy utilization with security. The proposed methodology is evaluated for energy overhead, discovery latency, and security resilience, demonstrating substantial improvements over traditional approaches. This research contributes to the development of scalable and secure D2D systems suitable for applications in smart cities, transportation, and industrial IoT.