Clustering Based Physical-Layer Authentication in Edge Computing Systems with Asymmetric Resources.

Area of Science:

• Cybersecurity
• Wireless Communications
• Edge Computing

Background:

• Traditional cipher-based authentication is costly and unsuitable for energy-constrained intelligent devices.
• Edge computing systems with asymmetric resources require novel, efficient security solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a clustering-based physical-layer authentication scheme (CPAS) for edge computing.
• To provide a secure, fast, and energy-efficient two-way authentication method for terminals and edge devices.

Main Methods:

• CPAS combines clustering with a lightweight symmetric cipher and physical-layer channel state information.
• Leverages unique temporal and spatial characteristics of physical layer channel responses for authentication.
• Establishes a trusted connection via lightweight symmetric cipher at the session's start.

Main Results:

• The CPAS scheme is theoretically secure, simple, and resists common attacks (e.g., replay, spoofing).
• Experimental results demonstrate increased access authentication success rates.
• A reduced data frame loss rate was observed without significant increases in authentication latency.

Conclusions:

• CPAS offers a robust, non-cryptographic physical layer authentication approach for edge computing.
• The scheme effectively balances security, efficiency, and performance in resource-constrained environments.
• CPAS provides a viable alternative to traditional, resource-intensive authentication methods.