Showing papers by "Mehran Abolhasan published in 2019"

Anatomy of Threats to the Internet of Things

Abstract: The world is resorting to the Internet of Things (IoT) for ease of control and monitoring of smart devices. The ubiquitous use of IoT ranges from industrial control systems (ICS) to e-Health, e-Commerce, smart cities, supply chain management, smart cars, cyber physical systems (CPS), and a lot more. Such reliance on IoT is resulting in a significant amount of data to be generated, collected, processed, and analyzed. The big data analytics is no doubt beneficial for business development. However, at the same time, numerous threats to the availability and privacy of the user data, message, and device integrity, the vulnerability of IoT devices to malware attacks and the risk of physical compromise of devices pose a significant danger to the sustenance of IoT. This paper thus endeavors to highlight most of the known threats at various layers of the IoT architecture with a focus on the anatomy of malware attacks. We present a detailed attack methodology adopted by some of the most successful malware attacks on IoT, including ICS and CPS. We also deduce an attack strategy of a distributed denial of service attack through IoT botnet followed by requisite security measures. In the end, we propose a composite guideline for the development of an IoT security framework based on industry best practices and also highlight lessons learned, pitfalls and some open research challenges.

Enabling Technologies for Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications: From PHY and MAC Layer Perspectives

Abstract: Future 5th generation networks are expected to enable three key services—enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine type communications and ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC). As per the 3rd generation partnership project URLLC requirements, it is expected that the reliability of one transmission of a 32 byte packet will be at least 99.999% and the latency will be at most 1 ms. This unprecedented level of reliability and latency will yield various new applications, such as smart grids, industrial automation and intelligent transport systems. In this survey we present potential future URLLC applications, and summarize the corresponding reliability and latency requirements. We provide a comprehensive discussion on physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layer techniques that enable URLLC, addressing both licensed and unlicensed bands. This paper evaluates the relevant PHY and MAC techniques for their ability to improve the reliability and reduce the latency. We identify that enabling long-term evolution to coexist in the unlicensed spectrum is also a potential enabler of URLLC in the unlicensed band, and provide numerical evaluations. Lastly, this paper discusses the potential future research directions and challenges in achieving the URLLC requirements.

A Hybrid-Fuzzy Logic Guided Genetic Algorithm (H-FLGA) Approach for Resource Optimization in 5G VANETs

Abstract: To support diversified quality of service demands and dynamic resource requirements of users in 5G driven VANETs, network resources need flexible and scalable resource allocation strategies. Current heterogeneous vehicular networks are designed and deployed with a connection-centric mindset with fixed resource allocation to a cell regardless of traffic conditions, static coverage, and capacity. In this paper, we propose a hybrid-fuzzy logic guided genetic algorithm (H-FLGA) approach for the software defined networking controller, to solve a multi-objective resource optimization problem for 5G driven VANETs. Realizing the service oriented view, the proposed approach formulates five different scenarios of network resource optimization in 5G VANETs. Furthermore, the proposed fuzzy inference system is used to optimize weights of multi-objectives, depending on the type of service requirements of customers. The proposed approach shows the minimized value of multi-objective cost function when compared with the GA. The simulation results show the minimized value of end-to-end delay as compared to other schemes. The proposed approach will help the network service providers to implement a customer-centric network infrastructure, depending on dynamic customer needs of users.

Reinforcement Learning for Scheduling Wireless Powered Sensor Communications

Abstract: In a wireless powered sensor network, a base station transfers power to sensors by using wireless power transfer (WPT). Inadequately scheduling WPT and data transmission causes fast battery drainage and data queue overflow of some sensors who could have potentially gained high data reception. In this paper, scheduling WPT and data transmission is formulated as a Markov decision process (MDP) by jointly considering sensors’ energy consumption and data queue. In practical scenarios, the prior knowledge about battery level and data queue length in MDP is not available at the base station. We study reinforcement learning at the sensors to find a transmission scheduling strategy, minimizing data packet loss. An optimal scheduling strategy with full-state information is also investigated, assuming that the complete battery level and data queue information are well known by the base station. This presents the lower bound of the data packet loss in wireless powered sensor networks. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed reinforcement learning scheduling algorithm significantly reduces network packet loss rate by 60%, and increases network goodput by 67%, compared to existing non-MDP greedy approaches. Moreover, comparing the optimal solutions, the performance loss due to the lack of sensors’ full-state information is less than 4.6%.

Miniature tri-wideband Sierpinski–Minkowski fractals metamaterial perfect absorber

Abstract: With rapidly growing adoption of wireless technologies, requirements for the design of a miniature wideband multi-resonators are increasing. In this study, a compact fractal-based metamaterial structure with lumped resistors is described. The structure of the authors proposed absorber is a combination of Sierpinski curve and Minkowski fractal. The new combination provides larger capacitance and inductance in the system enabling perfect absorption at lower frequencies. The final structure with dimensions of 20 × 20 × 1.6 mm 3 and an air gap of 12.5 mm provides three main resonances at frequencies of 2.1, 5.1, and 12.8 GHz with bandwidth (absorption ratio over 90%) of 840 MHz, 1.05 GHz, and 910 MHz, respectively.

A Blockchain-based File-sharing System for Academic Paper Review

Abstract: As a tool for human technological advancement, the peer-review system acts as a gateway for ensuring academic paper qualities. However, the system has proven to be slow and expensive. Also, biasedness remains an unsolved problem. Such issues could become a major bottleneck, which can adversely impact research progress and dissemination of knowledge. This paper aims to propose a double-blind paper review system to preserve the authors and reviewers anonymity. This system also addresses issues concerning the reviewers payment, inconsistent review metrics, and biased reviews. The proposed solution utilizes the Hyperledger Fabric blockchain with the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). The blockchain smart contracts provide a base for financial transactions between paper publishers and the reviewers. Hence, we introduce AcadCoin, a novel cryptocurrency used for supporting said financial transactions. Also, the Hyperledger blockchain provides user access control to achieve double-blindness in reviews. Along with the Hyperledger blockchain, the IPFS is used to store the paper documents, review documents and open metrics documents to reduce the storage requirement of the blockchain. A broad system architecture is constructed to combine the blockchain and the file storage system. This system architecture distributes nodes of the system to related parties. Finally, the blockchain network is implemented and tested using the Hyperledger Composer Playground environment.

Low-Frequency Metamaterial Absorber Using Space-Filling Curve

Abstract: The extensive use of metamaterials and metamaterial absorbers increases the demand for compact structures in various frequencies. Designing electrically small absorbers for lower frequencies, especially sub-gigahertz applications, is one of the open issues in this field. In this paper, a space filling curve is used to design an absorber operating on low frequencies. The unit cell design is based on a Sierpinski curve with the size of $$25\times 25\times 1.6\,{\text {mm}}^3$$ and air-gap of 10 mm. The structure shows 99.9% absorption at 900 MHz on the third step. The system also shows multiple resonances due to its structure. The proposed structure is fabricated and tested and shows a good agreement with simulation results.

SDN Controllers Scalability and Performance Study

Abstract: Software Defined Networks (SDN) is a networking approach that decouples the intelligent control plane from networking devices and establishes a separate entity called ”controller” that rule the behaviour of the data plane on physical networking devices. Due to the rapid evolution and growth of SDN controllers in the market, this paper aims to present an extensive study on performance and scalability of different open source SDN controllers available in the existing literature. This work covers previous studies and expands them with updated information and official benchmarking methodologies. The study provides a framework based on the standards recommended by the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) and it will serve as a guideline to the SDN community to benchmark different SDN controllers.

PrivySharing: A Blockchain-based Framework for Integrity and Privacy-preserving Data Sharing in Smart Cities

Abstract: The ubiquitous use of Internet of Things (IoT) ranges from industrial control systems to e-Health, e-commerce, smart cities, supply chain management, smart cars, cyber-physical systems and a lot more. However, the data collected and processed by IoT systems especially the ones with centralized control are vulnerable to availability, integrity, and privacy threats. Hence, we present “PrivySharing,” a blockchain-based innovative framework for integrity and privacy-preserving IoT data sharing in a smart city environment. The proposed scheme is distinct from existing technologies on many aspects. The data privacy is preserved by dividing the blockchain network into various channels, where every channel processes a specific type of data such as health, smart car, smart energy or financial data. Moreover, access to user data within a channel is controlled by embedding access control rules in the smart contracts. In addition, users' data within a channel is further isolated and secured by using private data collection. Likewise, the REST API that enables clients to interact with the blockchain network has dual security in the form of an API Key and OAuth 2.0. The proposed solution also conforms to some of the significant requirements outlined in the European Union General Data Protection Regulation. Lastly, we present a system of reward in the form of a digital token “PrivyCoin” for the users for sharing their data with the stakeholders/third parties.

Efficient Cellular Base Stations Sleep Mode Control Using Image Matching

Abstract: Green cellular network helps to decrease environmental pollution. In contrast, massive connectivity and demand for higher data rate promise the presence of new generation of cellular system (5G) and small cell networks. Hence, expectation on increasing the number of base stations (BSs), which leads to increase in energy usage. One way to improve energy consumption is by shutting down the redundant BSs while sustaining the Quality-of-Service (QoS) for each user. In this paper, we propose a dynamic structural algorithm based on transportation problem, to switch on/off the BSs in cellular networks without compromising its coverage, and maintain the networks load by neighboring cells. We use weighted graphs to translate our problem as a transportation problem and then use linear programming to solve it. The cost of transport, turning a BS into sleep mode, is illustrated as a function of energy usage,coverage area and load on the BSs. Running the propose method consecutively provides the maximum number of BSs whom are at sleep mode. The methodology explained in this paper reduces energy consumption to almost 40%, whereas maintaining all the existing loads in the network.

Mapping and Scheduling for Non-Uniform Arrival of Virtual Network Function (VNF) Requests

Abstract: As a new research concept for both academia and industry, there are several challenges faced by the Network Function Virtualization (NFV). One such challenge is to find the optimal mapping and scheduling for the incoming service requests which is the focus of this study. This optimization has been done by maximizing the number of accepted service requests, minimizing the number of bottleneck links and the overall processing time. The resultant problem is formulated as a multi- objective optimization problem, and two novel algorithms based on genetic algorithm have been developed. Through simulations, it has been shown that the developed algorithms can converge to the near to optimal solutions and they are scalable to large networks.

A Routing Protocol for SDN-based Multi-hop D2D Communications

Abstract: This paper presents a new Multi-hop Device-to-Device (MD2D) routing protocol, referred to as SMDRP (SDN-based Multi-hop D2D Routing Protocol), for SDN-based wireless networks. Our proposed protocol can be considered as a semi-distributed routing protocol, where an SDN controller manages and controls part of the overall MD2D routing functionality to increase scalability while enabling network operators to control and maintain the out-of-band packet forwarding network. This paper also extends prior work on the Hybrid SDN Architecture for Wireless Distributed Networks (HSAW) [1] and is adapted to the framework presented in this paper. In HSAW, since all link state information is flooded by the controller to the nodes, the network will experience scalability problem. In our approach, this problem is overcome by only passing the next hop for each active route to the mobile nodes. To investigate this, we performed a theoretical and simulation studies comparing HSAW with SMDRP. From our result, it can be seen that for larger density populated networks, SMDRP shows better scalability than HSAW. In addition, mobile nodes need less memory and energy for their communications.

Localisation of the Lines of Response in a Continuous Cylindrical Shell PET Scanner

Abstract: This work presents a technique for localising the endpoints of the lines of response in a PET scanner based on a continuous cylindrical shell scintillator. The technique is demonstrated by applying it to a simulation of a sensitivity-optimised continuous cylindrical shell PET system using two novel scintillator materials - a transparent ceramic garnet, GLuGAG:Ce, and a LuF 3 :Ce-polystyrene nanocomposite. Error distributions for the endpoints of the lines of response in the axial, tangential and radial dimension as well as overall endpoint spatial error are calculated for three source positions; the resultant distribution of error in the placement of the lines of response is also estimated.

Mapping and Scheduling of Virtual Network Functions using Multi Objective Optimization Algorithm

Abstract: Within the context of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), the problem of resource allocation for a set of incoming Virtual Network Functions (VNF) service requests has been the focus of many studies. In this paper, a new optimization model has been developed to find the near to optimal mapping and scheduling for the incoming VNF service requests. This model while considering delay, aims to achieve three objectives functions, namely, minimizing the transmission delays occurring in every link, minimizing the processing capacity for every Virtual Machine (VM) and minimizing the processing delay at every VM. The resultant problem is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem and the developed solution is based on a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm utilizing the decomposition algorithm. Simulation results illustrate that the resulting algorithm is scalable while considering delay and it outperforms the genetic bandwidth link allocation (GA-BA) and genetic non-bandwidth link allocation (GA-NBA) algorithms.

A Big Sensor Data Offloading Scheme in Rail Networks

Abstract: In this paper, we propose an offloading scheme to transfer massive stored sensor data from rolling stock to railway data centers. We apply a delayed offloading strategy for non-critical stored data assuming that the critical data has been already separated through an appropriate edge processing task and has been sent via a real-time communication such as cellular networks. We propose train stations as potential and feasible spots for data offloading via available wireless local area networks (WLAN) such as existing WiFi network at stations. Thus, stations will not only be the places of passenger exchange but also data exchange. We develop an analytical model customized for the proposed offloading strategy in rail applications. Then we validate the performance of our model through simulation in various scenarios in Omnet. The simulation results shows an accuracy of %98.67 for the proposed analytical model with reference to the simulation results in Omnetpp. Additionally, by using our proposed scheme, we can theoretically offload up to 5.43 GB per each stopping station.

A Routing Protocol for SDN-based Multi-hop D2D Communications

Abstract: This paper presents a new Multi-hop Device-to-Device (MD2D) routing protocol, referred to as SMDRP (SDN-based Multi-hop D2D Routing Protocol), for SDN-based wireless networks. Our proposed protocol can be considered as a semi-distributed routing protocol, where an SDN controller manages and controls part of the overall MD2D routing functionality to increase scalability while enabling network operators to control and maintain the out-of-band packet forwarding network. This paper also extends prior work on the Hybrid SDN Architecture for Wireless Distributed Networks (HSAW) [1] and is adapted to the framework presented in this paper. In HSAW, since all link state information is flooded by the controller to the nodes, the network will experience scalability problem. In our approach, this problem is overcome by only passing the next hop for each active route to the mobile nodes. To investigate this, we performed a theoretical and simulation studies comparing HSAW with SMDRP. From our result, it can be seen that for larger density populated networks, SMDRP shows better scalability than HSAW. In addition, mobile nodes need less memory and energy for their communications.