Physical Layer Security for Future Wireless Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Wireless technology has become indispensable in daily life, with people heavily relying on it for activities such as e-commerce, contactless payment, and military communications. Future wireless systems and networks, such as 6G cellular systems, future versions of WiFi, and satellite networks, are expected to support an even broader range of critical services, including intelligent transportation systems, industrial Internet of Things, eHealth, and more. Given their critical roles in computation, coordination, and decision making, ensuring the security of future wireless communications is paramount. Currently, wireless security has primarily focused on cryptographic approaches that utilize pre-shared secret keys or secure channels which may not always be available in many scenarios. In contrast, physical layer security, harnessing the randomness of the physical layer without relying on pre-shared keys or secure auxiliary channels, is seen as a potential complement to cryptography and a promising strategy for future wireless systems.

This Special Issue aims to provide insights into recent research in this emerging field. We invite high-quality submissions of cutting-edge research that explores theories, technologies, and applications within this domain. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The advanced signal processing of physical layer security;
• Measurements and models of secure communication scenarios;
• Stochastic secure network modeling;
• Cyber–physical systems;
• Physical layer security in UAV-based networks;
• Physical layer security in heterogeneous wireless networks;
• Physical layer security in satellite–terrestrial integrated networks;
• Physical layer security in green communications;
• Secure resource allocation and management;
• Machine-learning-enabled channel estimation, transmission design, and optimization;
• mmWave/TeraHertz communications;
• Reconfigurable intelligent surface;
• Integrated sensing and communication;
• Jamming-resistant communications;
• Secure transmissions for video surveillance and domotics;
• Secrecy coding;
• Physical layer key generation.

Dr. Yanjun Pan
Dr. Yao Zheng
Dr. Shangqing Zhao
Guest Editors

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