Physical layer authentication via fingerprint embedding using software-defined radios

Abstract

The use of fingerprint embedding at the physical layer enables a receiver to authenticate a transmitter by detecting a low-power authentication tag superimposed upon the message waveform; a theoretical framework for such fingerprinting has been outlined. We carry out single-carrier single-antenna software defined radio (SDR) experiments with a wireless communications link over which we transmit and receive packets with the embedded fingerprinting. We analyze these experimental results and find they match well with theoretical predictions. This paper demonstrates that the method of superimposed fingerprints can deliver high probability of authentication without additional bandwidth and with minimal impact on bit-error rate in SDR systems.