A Realistic Implementation for Simulating Side-Channel in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

摘要

In this paper, we present the necessary methods and techniques for simulating a wide-band multi-hop side-channel between two distant peer nodes in a Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET). Simulating such a side-channel is helpful in understanding its potential and experimenting with its cyber warfare benefits, and for discovering effective ways to detect it. Implementing a content-bearing side-channel in which the full frame payload is used for messaging requires the ability to access the full communication stack in the simulator. We have implemented a fully functional multi-hop side-channel on the EXata/Cyber (QualNet) simulation tool to a level of detail where it could potentially be used in-line with applications such as voice or video for real-time, real-life emulations. We provide the details of our implementation and evidence of the benefits of such a side-channel via test scenarios. Such simulations may be used to facilitate military personnel's understanding of the effects cyber tools may have on their operations, in particular, Adaptive Dispersed Operations where military units are mobile.