Resisting Malicious Eavesdropping: Physical Layer Security of mmWave MIMO Communications in Presence of Random Blockage

Millimeter wave (Mmwave) communication can realize high rate service for the upcoming Internet of Things (IoT) networks. Although directional multiantenna gains can help enhance security, randomly distributed eavesdroppers can still intercept confidential messages by residing in both the main-lobe and side-lobe areas of the beam signal. Considering the unique propagation features of mmWave, this article explores the potential of physical layer security in mmWave multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) systems. We propose an artificial noise (AN)-aided capacity threshold on–off secure transmission scheme to resist the eavesdropping threat. Taking into account the influence of mmWave channel characteristics, random blockage, and multiantenna gains, we first derive the closed-form expressions of transmission probability (TP) and secrecy outage probability (SOP) in a noncolluding eavesdropping scenario. Then, the lower bound of SOP with AN and closed-form expression of SOP without AN is derived in a colluding eavesdropping scenario. Theoretical analysis evaluates the impacts of various system parameters on secrecy performance and verifies the effects of AN interference on inhibiting side-lobe eavesdropping. Simulation results validate the theoretical results and indicate that the combination of capacity threshold on–off transmission scheme, AN interference, and multiantenna directional gains can effectively reduce the security threats of mmWave MIMO systems. Besides, the optimal power allocation ratio of AN in noncolluding scenarios is demonstrated and its rule is summarized, which depends on whether legitimate communication links are in blockage.