iCoding: Countermeasure Against Interference and Eavesdropping in Wireless Communications

With the rapid development of wireless communication technologies, interference management (IM) and security/privacy in data transmission have become critically important. On one hand, due to the broadcast nature of wireless medium, the interference superimposed on the desired signal can destroy the integrity of data transmission. On the other hand, malicious receivers (Rxs) may eavesdrop a legitimate user’s transmission and thus breach the confidentiality of communication. To counter these threats, we propose a novel encoding method, called immunizing coding (iCoding), which handles both IM and physical-layer security simultaneously. By exploiting both channel state information (CSI) and data carried in the interference, an iCoded signal is generated and sent by the legitimate transmitter (Tx). The iCoded signal interacts with the interference at the desired/legitimate Rx, so that the intended data can be recovered without the influence of disturbance, i.e., immunity to interference. In addition, since the data carried in the iCoded signal which is obtained via encoding the desired data and interference cooperatively, is different from the original desired data, the eavesdropper cannot access unauthorized information by wiretapping the desired signal, thus achieving immunity to eavesdropping. Our theoretical analysis, experimental and numerical evaluation have shown iCoding to effectively manage interference while preventing potential eavesdropping, hence enhancing the legitimate user’s transmission and secrecy thereof.