Transmit precoding for physical layer security of MIMO-NOMA-based visible light communications

Abstract

We consider the physical layer security (PLS) of non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) enabled multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) visible light communication systems in the presence of a passive eavesdropper (Eve). In order to disrupt the decoding process at Eve, we propose a novel precoding scheme reinforced with random constellation coding. Multiple legitimate users (Bobs) will be served simultaneously using NOMA. For the proposed precoder design, we exploit the slow-fading characteristics of the visible light channel so that the transmitted symbols are successfully decoded at Bob, while Eve suffers from very high bit error ratios (BERs) due to precoding-induced jamming. Via computer simulations, we show that Bob can successfully decode their own information in various user configurations and receiver diversities. It is also shown that the BER at Eve’s side is increased to the 0.5-level for similar and the asymmetrical positioning of Bob with respect to the transmitter, thus PLS is ensured by the proposed precoding technique. © 2021 IEEE