MMSE-based beamforming techniques for relay broadcast channels

We propose minimum mean square error (MMSE)-based beamforming techniques for a multiantenna relay network, where a base station (BS) equipped with multiple antennas communicates with a number of single-antenna users through a multiantenna relay. We specifically solve three optimization problems, namely, 1) the sum-power minimization problem, 2) the mean-square-error (MSE) balancing problem, and 3) the mixed quality-of-service (QoS) problem. Unfortunately, these problems are not jointly convex in terms of beamforming vectors at the BS and the relay amplification matrix. To circumvent this nonconvexity issue, the original problems are divided into two subproblems, where the beamforming vectors and the relay amplification matrix are alternately optimized, whereas the other is fixed. Three iterative algorithms are developed based on convex optimization techniques and general MSE duality. Simulation results are provided to validate the convergence of the proposed algorithms

Physical layer security jamming: Theoretical limits and practical designs in wireless networks

Physical layer security has been recently recognized as a promising new design paradigm to provide security in wireless networks. In addition to the existing conventional cryptographic methods, physical layer security exploits the dynamics of fading channels to enhance secured wireless links. In this approach, jamming plays a key role by generating noise signals to confuse the potential eavesdroppers, and significantly improves quality and reliability of secure communications between legitimate terminals. This article presents theoretical limits and practical designs of jamming approaches for physical layer security. In particular, the theoretical limits explore the achievable secrecy rates of user cooperation based jamming whilst the centralized, and game theoretic based precoding techniques are reviewed for practical implementations. In addition, the emerging wireless energy harvesting techniques are exploited to harvest the required energy to transmit jamming signals. Future directions of these approaches, and the associated research challenges are also briefly outlined