Optimal Power Allocation Schemes for the Single AF Relay and Jammer Wiretap Channels

Abstract

This paper considers the wiretap channel in which a source node communicates with a destination node with the aid of a single helper and in the presence of an eavesdropper. The helper can apply either amplify-and-forward (AF) relaying or jamming. The secrecy capacity and respective optimal power allocation schemes at the source and the helper are investigated under both individual and joint power constraints. Given that the links among the nodes might not always be available for transmission (e.g., due to heavy shadowing), several network topologies are considered for relaying. To deal with the related nonconcave optimization problems in solving the optimal power allocation schemes, we first propose an analytical approach based on Descartes' rule of signs. Using this approach, optimal power allocation strategies are derived for some relay topologies and for the jamming system. Insights into the proposed schemes for different transmission power ranges and comparisons to the optimal information rate power allocations are also discussed. Simulation results are finally provided to quantify the optimality of the proposed schemes.