MMSE-based-filter and artificial noise design for MIMO–OFDM systems

Physical layer security is a crucial issue in wireless networks to prevent legitimate communication from eavesdropping. This paper investigates the physical layer security of a wireless multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication system in the presence of a multiple-antenna eavesdropper. We first propose a minimum mean square error (MMSE)-based-filter secure MIMO–OFDM system which can destroy the orthogonality of eavesdropper’s signals. The MMSE-based-filter is used at the receiver to suppress the inter-subcarrier interference and disturb the reception of eavesdropper while maintaining the quality of legitimate transmission. Next, we propose another artificial noise (AN)-assisted secure MIMO–OFDM system to further improve the security of the legitimate transmission. The time-domain AN signal is designed to be canceled out at the legitimate receiver. Therefore, AN will disturb the reception of eavesdropper while the legitimate transmission will not be affected. Finally, power allocation for AN signals and subcarriers will be discussed since AN is generated utilizing the residual power of the MIMO–OFDM system. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the security performance of the proposed transmit filter design and AN-assisted scheme in the MIMO–OFDM system.