Implementation of Physical Layer Key Distribution using Software Defined Radios

S. Kambala; R. Vaidyanathaswami; A. Thangaraj

doi:10.14429/dsj.63.3758

S. Kambala Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai
R. Vaidyanathaswami Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai
A. Thangaraj Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.3758

Keywords: Physical layer security, wiretap channel, key exchange protocols, software defined radio

Abstract

It was well known from Shannon’s days that characteristics of the physical channel like attenuation, fadingand noise can impair reliable communication. But it was more recently that the beneficial side effects of channelcharacteristics in ensuring secret communication started getting attention. Studies have been made to quantify theamount of secrecy that can be reaped by combining channel coding with security protocols. The Wiretap channelproposed by Wyner is arguably one of the oldest models of physical layer security protocols. In this paper, wepresent a brief tutorial introduction to the Wiretap channel, followed by an application of the physical layer modelto a class of Key Distribution protocols. We present results from an implementation of key distribution protocolsusing Software Defined Radio tools along with physical RF hardware peripherals. We believe this approach is muchmore tangible and informative than computer based simulation studies.

Defence Science Journal, 2013, 63(1), pp.6-14, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.3758

Author Biographies

S. Kambala, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai

Mr Sreenath Kambala received his BTech (Electronics and Computer Engg) from Srinidhi Instistute of Science and Technology, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradeshin 2009. Currently he is pursuing hi sMTech (Communication Engineering) from IIT-Madras.

R. Vaidyanathaswami, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai

Mr Rajaraman Vaidyanathaswami received his MTech (Communication Engg) from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He is currently working on coding schemes for physical layer security for a Doctoral program at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras,Chennai.

A. Thangaraj, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai

Dr Andrew Thangaraj received his BTech (Electrical Engg) from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras,India in 1998 and a PhD (Electrical Engg) from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA in 2003. Hewas a post-doctoral researcher at the GTL-CNRS Telecom lab at Georgia Tech Lorraine, Metz, France during 2003-2004. Currently working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT-Madras.