Phy-level Wireless Security Using Antenna Array Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in securing transmissions from illegitimate eavesdropping, as current methods do not effectively prevent eavesdroppers from decoding data streams without degrading the signal quality for legitimate receivers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating data streams and jamming streams using an antenna array, where parameters such as power ratios and Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS) are calculated to reduce the probability of data streams being decoded by eavesdroppers, and the jamming streams are configured to vary over time intervals to enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If jamming streams are transmitted to prevent eavesdropping, then security against eavesdropping is improved, but signal quality for legitimate receivers may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different signal characteristics to different spatial locations by using beamforming techniques. The data streams are directed toward legitimate receivers with high signal quality, while jamming streams are directed toward eavesdroppers. This spatial differentiation allows the system to provide high security to eavesdroppers while maintaining high signal quality for legitimate receivers, resolving the contradiction between security improvement and signal quality degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the power ratios and Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS) based on channel state information and eavesdropping detection. The system continuously adapts the transmission parameters to maintain optimal security while ensuring legitimate receivers receive adequate signal quality. This dynamic adjustment resolves the static contradiction by making the system responsive to changing conditions.
2Reliability
If power ratios are allocated to jamming streams to reduce eavesdropping probability, then security is improved, but transmission efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes transmission parameters including power ratios allocated to jamming streams and MCS selections based on detected eavesdropping conditions. When eavesdropping is detected, the system adjusts power ratios to allocate more power to jamming streams, thereby improving security. When no eavesdropping is detected, the system reduces jamming power to maintain transmission efficiency. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between security improvement and transmission efficiency maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies jamming streams selectively rather than continuously. Jamming is activated only when eavesdropping is detected or suspected, and the power allocation to jamming streams is adjusted based on the severity of the threat. This partial application of security measures prevents unnecessary transmission efficiency degradation while maintaining adequate security when needed.
3Reliability
If MCS are restricted to partial subsets for data streams, then security against eavesdropping is improved, but data rate may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically selects MCS from partial subsets based on channel conditions and eavesdropping detection. When eavesdropping is detected, the system restricts MCS selection to more secure (lower rate) subsets. When no eavesdropping is detected, the system expands the MCS subset to include higher rate options, thereby maintaining data rate. This conditional parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between security improvement and data rate maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communication includes generating one or more data streams for transmission to respective target receivers, and one or more jamming streams. At least one parameter, selected from a group of parameters consisting of power ratios for allocation to the jamming streams and Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCSs) for assigning to the data streams, is calculated based on a criterion that is set to reduce a probability of the data streams being decoded by at least one eavesdropping receiver. The data streams and the jamming streams are transmitted using an antenna array while applying the at least one parameter.