Efficient and Robust Physical Layer Key Generation

Physical layer key generation provides privacy protection technique suitable for devices with limited computational ability. A key generation algorithm is based on OFDM waveforms. By exploiting the holistic CSI, key generation rate (KGR) is improved significantly. A cross-layer encryption protocol is based on the key generation algorithm and the AES. The secrecy of the encryption is enhanced compared to traditional encryption schemes with one pre-shared key (e.g., WPA2-PSK), even when some generated keys are leaked to the eavesdropper. The results lead to practical and robust applications of physical layer key generation.