Physical Layer Watermarking on IEEE 802.15.4 Wireless Communication Systems

Abstract

In order to enhance the security and privacy in wireless sensor network based on IEEE 802.15.4, this thesis proposed a physical layer security mechanism which is named as doubly watermarked DSSS or DWDSSS technique. By modifying the PN sequence which is employed in direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) module of IEEE 802.15.4 physical layer, security information is embedded and conveyed as well as normal data content, so as to provide information hiding and additional source authentication at physical layer. The corresponding system prototype is constructed using GNU Radio/USRP software defined radio (SDR) platform, and it is proven experimentally that the DWDSSS-enabled devices are interoperable with real-world IEEE 802.15.4 devices and complement the security services applied in the upper network layer.