Multi-Level Detection and Characterization Mechanisms against the Intentional Hidden Node Problem

In this proposal, Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI), along with Professor Jung-Min Park (Virginia Tech), propose to develop a Multi-Level Detection and Characterization (MuLDaC) approach to defense against the intentional hidden node problem in cognitive radio networks (CRNs). The proposed MuLDaC approach utilizes multiple disciplines including PHY layer detection, authentication, and trust-aware data fusion. Most existing research focuses on the unintentional hidden node problem, and hence cannot be directly applied to the intentional hidden node problem. In addition, due to high flexibility and rapid reconfiguration capability of cognitive radio, it is much easier for a node to intentionally"hide"in the cognitive radio environment, compared with the traditional networks. Moreover, to discover the unintentional hidden nodes, distributed cooperative spectrum sensing schemes are proposed; however, they give even more opportunities to the intentional hidden nodes. Thus, a complete study is necessary and yet not available for characterizing various behaviors of intentional hidden nodes in CRNs, their impacts on the network performance, and the corresponding solutions. The objective of the proposed MuLDaC approach is to properly and promptly detect the selfish and/or malicious nodes and determine their intents, based on the established knowledge of the intentional hidden nodes in tactical networks. BENEFIT: The proposed detection and characterization approach has tremendous potential to greatly enhanced survivability for the war-fighters. Given the GIG vision, such heterogeneous and dynamic wireless networks will be common, and the developed multi-level mechanisms can be applied to various military networks potentially supporting a number of major programs such as Airborne Networks Program, Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), Future Combat System (FCS), etc. The commercial drive for reliable communication is also increasing due to the increasing popularity of wireless network technologies. The potential commercial applications include commercial cognitive radio networks, wireless sensor networks, wireless ad hoc networks, and wireless mesh networks where there exist both the infrastructure and the more mobile"edge"networks. The size of the market is quite large and may grow rapidly with the commercial demand for network reliability and availability.