A frame handler module for a side-channel in mobile ad hoc networks

In this paper, we establish a hidden 802.11 wireless channel, with the masking of the channel achieved by inserting intentional errors in the frame check sequence (FCS). We design a frame handler module to provide a proof-of-concept model of the side-channel using MATLAB and Simulink with communication toolbox. We justify using MATLAB over the other simulation tools because of its existing functions: physical layer IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networking (WLAN) standard, existing modular channel fading models, the MAC layer cyclic redundancy checksum (CRC) generator, the CRC Syndrome detector, and the capability of modifying fields in a frame. These existing functions allow for the creation of a frame handler which generates frames, according to our design, to be inserted as erroneous frames and recovers frames from normal 802.11 traffic. Herein we provide the design and details of the implementation of the channel. Our design offers the ability to introduce error detection and correction capabilities, and protection against passive monitoring defences. This simulation framework is a step towards the development of more sophisticated environments including multi-node simulations that maintain robust and reliable side-channel communication.