ORCID
- Max J. Ammann: 0000-0002-1418-8142
Abstract
This paper proposes Directional Modulation (DM) for secure millimeter-wave (mmWave) on-body communication, where security is enhanced by leveraging multipath propagation. The double two-ray ground reflection model is employed to analyze a two-antenna Multi-Input Single-Output (MISO) system placed on human skin. The system operates at 24 GHz with polarization tangential to the skin. Key parameters such as antenna-separation, antenna-to-skin spacing and phase difference between transmitter antennas are varied to analyze the resulting path gain. The results obtained from analytical model are experimentally validated using Yagi antennas placed over a forearm phantom. Based on the findings, the DM technique is implemented. The results demonstrate successful demodulation at the intended receiver location with Bit error rate (BER) <10-4, while at the eavesdropper’s location the BER >0.2 for all investigated transmitter–receiver antenna separations. The experimental results confirm the effectiveness and validity of the proposed concept.
Keywords
Bit Error Rate, Directional Modulation, mm waves, On-body propagation, Path gain, Wireless Body Area Network
DOI Link
Publication Date
2025-01-01
Publication Title
IEEE Open Journal of Antennas and Propagation
Volume
7
Issue
2
Acceptance Date
2025-01-01
Deposit Date
2026-05-01
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Additional Links
Recommended Citation
Khan, W., Ammann, M., Hokmabadi, H., Scanlon, W., & Narbudowicz, A. (2025) 'Multipath-Enhanced Directional Modulation for Secure mmWave On-Body Communication', IEEE Open Journal of Antennas and Propagation, 7(2). Available at: 10.1109/OJAP.2025.3647297