An Intelligent Reflecting Surface Assisted Covert Communication System with a Cooperative Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

LIU Xuemin; QIAN Yuwen; SONG Yaoliang; SHU Feng; CHEN Kuiyu; ZHU Jiewei

doi:10.11999/JEIT240663

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LIU Xuemin, QIAN Yuwen, SONG Yaoliang, SHU Feng, CHEN Kuiyu, ZHU Jiewei. An Intelligent Reflecting Surface Assisted Covert Communication System with a Cooperative Unmanned Aerial Vehicle[J]. Journal of Electronics & Information Technology. doi: 10.11999/JEIT240663

Citation:

LIU Xuemin, QIAN Yuwen, SONG Yaoliang, SHU Feng, CHEN Kuiyu, ZHU Jiewei. An Intelligent Reflecting Surface Assisted Covert Communication System with a Cooperative Unmanned Aerial Vehicle[J]. Journal of Electronics & Information Technology. doi: 10.11999/JEIT240663

Citation:

LIU Xuemin, QIAN Yuwen, SONG Yaoliang, SHU Feng, CHEN Kuiyu, ZHU Jiewei. An Intelligent Reflecting Surface Assisted Covert Communication System with a Cooperative Unmanned Aerial Vehicle[J]. Journal of Electronics & Information Technology. doi: 10.11999/JEIT240663

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An Intelligent Reflecting Surface Assisted Covert Communication System with a Cooperative Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

doi: 10.11999/JEIT240663

1.
School of Electronic and Opticcal Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
2.
School of Information and Communication Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
3.
College of Electronic and Opticcal Engineering & College of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210094, China
4.
China United Network Communication Group Co., Ltd. Suzhou Branch, Suzhou 215100, China

Funds: The Key Special Project of “Intergovernmental International Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation” in the National Key Research and Development Program (2022YFE0122300)

Received Date: 2024-07-29
Rev Recd Date: 2024-12-01

Available Online: 2024-12-09

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: Covert communication is a crucial area within network security, facilitating secure data transmission in monitored environments. Nevertheless, practical communication systems face challenges such as complex communication environments and extensive coverage areas. In recent years, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have gained popularity in both commercial and military applications due to their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and diverse applications. Additionally, Intelligent Reflection Surface (IRS)-assisted wireless communications have attracted significant attention, as IRS can be deployed in hostile communication environments while ensuring reliable transmission. Consequently, the exploration of hybrid IRS and UAV systems for the design of covert wireless communication systems presents a promising research avenue. Methods: This paper proposes a wireless covert communication system enhanced by an IRS and a UAV. In this configuration, the IRS functions as a relay node to transmit signals from the transmitter. The UAV serves as a cooperative relay node, facilitating not only the forwarding of covert messages to the intended receiver but also generating artificial noise to impede the detection of covert communication by malicious users. Under conditions of uncertainty regarding the received noise at the receiver, the minimum error detection probability is derived, and the system optimization problem is formulated with the objective of maximizing the covert communication rate while treating interruption probability as a constraint. Subsequently, the Dinkelbach-based approach is utilized to address the optimization problem. Results and Discussions: The key contributions of this research are as follows. First, a wireless covert communication system is developed using an IRS and an UAV. In this system, the IRS forwards covert messages from the transmitter to the receiver, while the UAV disrupts potential adversaries attempting to intercept secure communications. The integration of the IRS improves the covert communication rate, and the UAV-assisted design provides flexibility for deployment across diverse environments. The transmitter serves as the coordinator, managing both the UAV and IRS by transmitting control commands and collecting operational parameters. Second, the minimum detection error probability is derived under conditions of receiver uncertainty regarding noise, with the coordinates of the UAV and the transmitter assumed to be known. This derivation includes calculations of the False Alarm Probability (FAP) and the Missed Detection Probability (MDP) associated with the monitoring process. Third, a joint optimization problem is formulated to maximize the covert rate of the communication system. This problem optimizes the UAV's trajectory, the IRS phase, and the transmit power while satisfying constraints related to the derived minimum detection error probability, maximum transmit power, and UAV mobility. The problem is restructured into a convex formulation by dividing it into two steps: optimization of the transmit power and UAV trajectory. Fourth, an iterative algorithm is developed to address the optimization challenge, employing the Successive Convex Approximation (SCA) and Dinkelbach methods. The Dinkelbach method is used to reformulate the upper bound of the optimization variables into a convex problem. Simulation results demonstrate that the maximum covert rate is achieved when the IRS phase, UAV trajectory, and transmit power are jointly optimized. Conclusions: In conclusion, the research establishes the implementation of an IRS-aided covert communication system utilizing a cooperative UAV, suitable for deployment in complex environments. Additionally, a closed-form expression for the Directly Emitted Power (DEP) of covert communication for the monitoring device has been derived, taking into account the uncertainty of transmit power. A joint optimization problem has been formulated to optimize the phases of the IRS units, the jamming power of the UAV, and the transmitting power of the transmitter, while satisfying constraints related to the optimal DEP of Willie, the transmit power of the transmitter, and the transmit power of the AN. Simulation results indicate that the system's covertness and covert rate improve with an increased number of IRS units, extended UAV flight time, and higher interference power. Future research should also explore the deployment of this system in complex environments, focusing on the dynamic adjustment of the IRS phase units in conjunction with UAVs.
- Information security,
- Covert communication,
- Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS),
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

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References(22)

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