Securing IoT and Wireless Sensor Network Communications: A Comprehensive Performance Analysis of Layer 2/3 Tunneling and VPN Technologies in Linux-Based Edge Computing

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) into industrial and critical infrastructures demands robust, secure, and efficient networking paradigms. This paper evaluates the performance and security implications of integrating Layer 2 and Layer 3 tunneling mechanisms with Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and advanced VPN technologies (WireGuard, IPsec, OpenVPN) within the Linux kernel. We provide a rigorous mathematical modeling of network costs and overheads, focusing on the impact of Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) variations. Experimental results obtained via OpenWrt-based edge nodes demonstrate that while cryptographic protection is vital, improper MTU configuration can lead to catastrophic throughput degradation. We propose optimization strategies to ensure resilient data transmission in constrained IoT environments.