A Game-theoretical Analysis of Intelligent Cognitive Radio Jamming

Cognitive Radio promises to be a solution for the spectrum underutilization problems. However, security issues pertaining to Cognitive Radio technology are still an understudied topic. One of the prevailing such issues are intelligent radio frequency jamming attacks, where adversaries are able to exploit on-the-fly reconfigurability potentials and learning mechanisms of Cognitive Radios in order to devise and deploy advanced jamming tactics. In this paper, we use game-theoretical approach to analyze jamming/anti-jamming behaviour between Cognitive Radio systems. A non-zero-sum game with incomplete information on opponent’s strategy and payoff is modelled as an extension of Markov Decision Process. Learning algorithms based on adaptive payoff play and fictitious play are considered. A combination of frequency hopping and power alteration is deployed as an anti-jamming scheme. A real life Software Defined Radio platform is used in order to perform measurements useful for quantifying the jamming impacts, as well as to infer relevant hardware-related properties. Results of these measurements are then used as parameters for the modelled jamming/anti-jamming game. Simulation results indicate, among other, the benefit provided to the jammer when it is employed with the spectrum sensing algorithm in proactive frequency hopping and power alteration schemes. Keywords-Jamming, Anti-jamming, Game theory, Stochastic game, Fictitious play, Adaptive play, Markov models, Frequency hopping, Power alteration, Smart Transmission Layer.