Alternative Codes and Phase Rotation Extensions for Alternating Space-Time Coding-Based Physical Layer Security

In this article, several extensions to an alternating space-time (ST) code (STC) physical layer security (PLS) scheme from the literature are proposed. These contributions include alternative orthogonal STCs as well as non-orthogonal and spatially-multiplexed (SM) STCs for improved bandwidth efficiency. Phase rotation (PR) algorithms are provided to build very large sets of unique alternative STCs for use with this scheme. Decoding methods are discussed for alternating non-orthogonal and SM STCs. Monte Carlo simulations are provided to compare bit error rate (BER) performance between different decoding methods. Secrecy system nomenclature is adapted to the alternative STCs and proposed algorithms. Information-theoretic security analysis including message and key equivocation is provided along with expected eavesdropper BER based on an assumed attack methodology. A comparison of security offered by the alternating STC PLS scheme with and without incorporation of proposed PR algorithms is performed. Substantially greater exhaustive key search attack complexity is achieved by using the PR algorithms proposed in this article.

Automated summary

This article proposes several extensions to an alternating ST code physical layer security scheme, including alternative orthogonal STCs, non-orthogonal and spatially-multiplexed STCs, and phase rotation algorithms. Decoding methods and security analysis are discussed, including expected eavesdropper BER and comparison of security with and without proposed PR algorithms. The PR algorithms significantly increase the complexity of exhaustive key search attacks.