Method and apparatus for physical layer security in low power wireless sensor networks

摘要

A system and method for providing physical layer security in a low power wireless communication system utilizing an analog finite impulse response filter to produce an analog representation of the electronic fingerprint that uniquely identifies a transmitting device. A decision logic circuit produces a digital representation of the electronic fingerprint of the RF signal, and digital storage stores the digital fingerprints of trusted wireless nodes. A learning mode allows the storage of digital fingerprints of trusted nodes, and recognition mode permits the passage of the RF signal through a receive-permissive switch only if the digital fingerprint of a trusted wireless node is recognized. One of several triggering events may disable the receive-permissive switch including passage a specified period of time, loss of RF signal for a specified time, reduction in the strength of RF signal below a specified threshold, loss of electrical power, and other system or operator input.