Multicast Mode Research Articles

Lightweight and Secure Multi-Message Multi-Receiver Certificateless Signcryption Scheme for the Internet of Vehicles

The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) improves traffic efficiency and enhances driving safety through the real-time collection and analysis of traffic-related data. Numerous secure and privacy-preserving communication protocols have been proposed for the IoV. However, various security threats, privacy leakage, and inefficient communications remain unaddressed. Therefore, a lightweight and secure multi-message multi-receiver certificateless signcryption (LS-MRCLSC) scheme based on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) is proposed. The proposed scheme guarantees secure communication and promotes messaging efficiency with multi-cast mode. Multiple key generation centers (KGCs) collaborate to generate and update the system master key (SMK) using Feldman’s verifiable secret-sharing (FVSS) algorithm, avoiding the single point of failure (SPoF) problem. Formal security proofs under the random oracle model (ROM) demonstrate that the proposed scheme meets requirements such as data confidentiality, message unforgeability, anonymity, and unlinkability. Performance evaluations confirm that the LS-MRCLSC scheme is better than similar schemes in terms of efficiency, feasibility, and scalability.

Security Management for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System of Smart Electrical Grids

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) plays a crucial role in enabling the efficient functioning of Smart Electrical Grids, but its successful implementation hinges on robust cybersecurity measures. To uphold data confidentiality and integrity, the deployment of an effective key management scheme (KMS) for multiple Smart Meters (SMs) and devices is imperative. The AMI exhibits unique characteristics, including storage and computation constraints in SMs, hybrid message transmission techniques, and varying participation levels in Demand Response (DR) projects, necessitating a tailored approach to security compared to other systems. In this research, we propose a KMS that is designed to address the specific security concerns of the AMI. The scheme comprises three key management procedures catering to the unicast, broadcast, and multicast modes of hybrid transmission. Given the resource limitations of SMs, we adopted simple cryptographic techniques for key creation and refreshing policies, ensuring efficiency without compromising on security. Furthermore, considering the variability of participants in DR projects, we established key refreshing policies that adapted to changing involvement. The effectiveness and security of the proposed KMS were rigorously evaluated, demonstrating its practical applicability and ability to safeguard the AMI ecosystem. The results of the evaluation indicate that our approach provides a viable and robust solution to the security challenges faced by AMI systems. By employing the proposed KMS, stakeholders can confidently deploy and manage AMI, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of the Smart Electrical Grid.

Quantum Cooperative Multicast in a Quantum Hybrid Topology Network

Quantum multicast is a significant transmission mode in a multiparty communication scenario. Multisource collaboration can further enhance the efficient multicast. However, it remains a challenge to realize quantum multicast with a cooperative way in a complex topology network. In this article, we propose a scheme of quantum cooperative multicast in a hybrid topology network. It provides information aggregation and simultaneous multipoint transmission services. First, collaborative information aggregation allows central network data to be integrated into the aggregation node. By exploiting the quantum multicast mode, the aggregation node can simultaneously deliver integrated quantum states to multiple targets. Second, our scheme is feasible for dynamic network expansion. It is capable of extending the network architecture iteratively, while the peer network requests can be handled in parallel. Finally, the new scheme shows great application potential in the distributed quantum network. It is a promising candidate for the implementation of quantum data disaster backup in future.

MBSFN or SC-PTM: How to Efficiently Multicast/Broadcast

In Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service(MBMS), Multicast/Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) and Single-cell Point-to-multipoint Network (SC-PTM) are two essential ways to organize networks to provide multicast services. MBSFN shows its unique advantage of enhancing signals at the boundary of two cells, however, highly requiring synchronization of symbols. SC-PTM shows the advantage of the flexibility on the network deployment. The comparison and complementarity of these two modes are explored. In this paper, we analyze the reception performance of MBSFN and SC-PTM from multiple perspectives. We first compare the successful transmission probability (STP) of MBSFN with that of SC-PTM. Then, we consider optimal power control problems in MBSFN and SC-PTM. The corresponding power control optimization problems are with fraction and max-min forms and solved by the Dinkelbach algorithm. Furthermore, we propose a joint mode-selection and power-control method in the hybrid mode of MBSFN and SC-PTM, where each cell could select the multicast mode from MBSFN and SC-PTM. This is a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem and solved by the concave-convex procedure (CCCP) and the Dinkelbach algorithm. To further improve the throughput, the appropriate successful reception proportion is selected under the opportunistic multicast. Finally, the numerical simulations show the performance of our algorithms and compare the throughput of two modes, which verify our analysis.

Performance analysis on a cooperative transmission scheme of multicast and NOMA in cache‐enabled cellular networks

Caching popular contents at base stations (BSs) can effectively avoid redundant data traffic and improve backhaul capacity. Techniques such as multicast (MC) and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) can significantly improve spectral efficiency by delivering popular contents to multiple users using a single channel. Therefore, we propose a cooperative transmission scheme of MC and NOMA in cache-enabled wireless cellular networks. First, we derive the probability mass function (PMF) of the number of channels in the MC mode as well as the joint PMF of the number of channels and number of NOMA users in the NOMA mode. Second, we analyse the successful transmission probabilities of the two modes by utilising tools from stochastic geometry. Finally, with the derived probabilities using the two modes, we obtain the total successful transmission probability based on probability theory. The quasi-closed form expression of the successful transmission probability is obtained in a special case, where the noise is neglected, and the path-loss exponent is set to be four. Simulation results validate the accuracy of the analysis and demonstrate the performance gain due to the proposed cooperative transmission scheme of MC and NOMA.

Mode Selection Algorithm for Multicast Service Delivery

The ever-growing demands for data-hungry services make the multicast play an increasingly important role in service delivery. 3GPP has enabled multicast for cellular network, including the adoption of two distinct multicast modes, Multicast/Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) and Single Cell Point to Multipoint (SC-PTM). However, the lack of flexible selection between different multicast modes limits the transmission capacity. In order to further increase system throughput, this article focuses on exploiting the complementarity between MBSFN mode and SC-PTM mode, namely selecting the appropriate multicast mode for each cell in the network. This approach benefits from the trade-off between the utilization of user diversity via SC-PTM and the extra SFN gain from MBSFN, which increases the system throughput from a perspective of enhancing configuration flexibility. By constructing the analytical model of the network comprising cells with different multicast modes, we formulate a multicast mode selection problem aiming to maximize system throughput. Then, the formulated mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem is converted to a Difference of Convex (DC) programming, which is solved by the proposed algorithm based on the concave-convex procedure. Considering potential massive scale networks and high selection frequency, alternative mode selection algorithms with lower complexity are also designed.

LKM-AMI: A Lightweight Key Management Scheme for Secure two Way Communications between Smart Meters and HAN Devices of AMI System in Smart Grid

Smart Grid (SG) is a modernized power grid. Nowadays changing the power grid system into a smart grid is revolution and evolution. Owing to the widespread use of wireless communication technologies in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) of SG, security is one of the most significant and challenging problem. A specific feature of AMI systems is that it requires hybrid transmission modes of data which includes unicast, multicast and broadcast communication modes. Moreover, Smart Meters (SMs) and smart home appliances may have limited computing and storage capability and only authorized Home Area Network (HAN) appliances may communicate with SMs. Various key management systems have been presented to address these issues. However, performance and /or security issues are still exist in most of them. To meet these distinctive requirements and ensure confidentiality during communications in HAN of AMI, secure and robust key management scheme is required. This paper proposes a key management scheme tailored for HAN with significantly lower rekeying overhead and enhanced robustness which allows the SM and HAN devices to share a session key between them. In our scheme, when any smart device joins/leaves the system, there is no need to update the keys of existing devices. As a result, the rekeying cost is decreased to $$ \mathcal{O}(1) $$ . Compared with existing key management schemes, the proposed scheme achieves fast key distribution and message transmission between SM and the HAN devices while ensuring the privacy. The results illustrate that our scheme can outperform the related schemes in terms of rekeying cost while ensuring privacy protection.

Multimedia Public Warning Alert Trials Using eMBMS Broadcast, Dynamic Spectrum Allocation and Connection Bonding

The European Commission requires all European Union (EU) Member States to use telecommunications networks to alert the population of an ongoing crisis or an upcoming threat by June 2022. Public Warning System in Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G System currently supports a text-based warning using Cell Broadcast technology. Cell Broadcast does not support multimedia warning message delivery. This paper analyses requirements that need to be fulfilled to support multimedia warning message delivery in the 5G System and describes trials of a broadcast multimedia public warning alert system. The trials demonstrate delivery of multimedia public warning messages using Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (eMBMS), dynamic spectrum management and bonded connections. By using eMBMS the public warning messages can be sent with additional robustness and in multicast mode, resulting also in less congestion to the network as the messages do not need to be sent separately to each user. Dynamic spectrum management system allows to dynamically obtain spectrum resources for the public warning system messages and the bonded connections improves the throughput and reliability of the delivery by combining the capacity of several different networks.

Design of IEEE1588 Power Precise Time Synchronization System

An IEEE1588 high precision network time synchronization system suitable for power system was designed based on the IEEE1588 protocol content and requirements for the PTP time synchronization of state grid. The time synchronization system supports IEEE1588 v2 protocol. The system can process event message and general message. The system supports multicast mode based on MAC and best master clock algorithm. The system also has E2E and P2P two timing patterns at the same time. At last, the author analysis the testing data. After all the work has done, we build up an experimental platform and conduct the system testing from two aspects of the time synchronization accuracy and system reliability. The experimental results show that the system time synchronization accuracy and reliability is high. The system can meet the requirements of PTP synchronization clock in power systems.

Hybrid Multicast and Device-to-Device Communications Based on Adaptive Random Network Coding

Random network coding (RNC) is an efficient coding scheme to improve the performance of wireless multicast networks, on the premise that a receiver is able to collect a full set of network-coded packets. However, in resource (time, bandwidth, and so on) constrained communications, a receiver may only receive a partial set of network coded packets, leading to poor system performance. On the other hand, device-to-device (D2D) communications utilize user proximity and spatial diversity to improve the communication efficiency. In this paper, we propose a hybrid multicast and D2D transmission scheme based on adaptive RNC (ARNC) to increase network throughput under packet erasure channels. In the proposed scheme, the packet encoding structure is optimized adaptively according to the network status, such that even if only a partial set of the coded packets are received, the user equipments (UEs) can still decode useful information and regenerate new encoded packet for D2D communications. In particular, the multicast mode and D2D mode are switched dynamically during a scheduling session according to the status of each UE. Under this hybrid mode, we can effectively overcome the effect of erasure channel and improve the overall network throughput. By comparing our scheme with other scheduling methods, we provide simulation results to corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.

Cache-Aware Multicast Beamforming Design for Multicell Multigroup Multicast

To promote the massive video content delivery and to realize the long-term overall cost, the caching and computing functions have to be installed at some intermediate nodes within the networks. This paper presents a cache-aware multicast beamforming design for multicell multigroup multicast, where information-centric networking and mobile edge computing techniques are brought in the multicell multicast system to cache and transcode the contents passing through the nodes. The proposed cache-aware multicast beamforming design jointly optimizes the multicast mode, the caching strategy, and the network-wide beamforming vector, and focuses on minimizing the energy cost of the caching, computing, and communications. To make the formulated problem tractable, a two step method is proposed in this paper, where the first step is devoted to the cache-aware multicast approach design, while the second step is focused on the sparse multicast beamforming design. Furthermore, in order to promote the stabilization of the system, we further design a robust joint optimization strategy for the scenario with the imperfect channel state information. Extensive simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of our proposed schemes.

Impacts of S1 and X2 Interfaces on eMBMS Handover Failure: Solution and Performance Analysis

In evolved multimedia broadcast/multicast service (eMBMS), service continuity enables users move from one cell to another without interrupting eMBMS service. Unlike traditional handover in unicast transmission, an user equipment can receive eMBMS service in either unicast or multicast mode. In this paper, we point out a new handover failure problem in eMBMS due to the miss of rekeying information. We first take a close look at the new handover scenarios. We then investigate the problem by using comprehensive mathematical models. Our models provide insights on the new handover problem and introduce theoretical guidelines for mobile operators to design and optimize their networks without wide deployment to save cost and time. Moreover, we propose a solution to combat against the handover failure. Both the simulation and analytical results demonstrate that the impacts of the eMBMS handover failure are reduced significantly. In this paper, we present a systematic way to investigate the handover failure problem in eMBMS.

Алгоритм оптимизации сети провайдера услуг IPTV с комбинацией режимов UNICAST и MULTICAST

Алгоритм оптимизации сети провайдера услуг IPTV с комбинацией режимов UNICAST и MULTICAST

FPGA based Time Code Generation and Dissemination in a Distributed Control Systems

This paper discusses the development of a FPGA based standard time IRIG-B DC (unmodulated) and AC (modulated) code generation cum dissemination system over serial and Ethernet (unicast and multicast mode) network using verilog HDL which in turn trigger all sequential control actions occurring across the entire sensor network based on precise time stamping. Design of external signal conditioning circuitry for IRIG-B AC code is also described. The total development is based on modular approach in a single FPGA board for generation, dissemination, modulation and monitoring facility in case of flight vehicle control.

An efficient network coding scheme for reliable multicast power line communications

Nowadays, Power Line Communication (PLC) technology is receiving a renewed attention for a wide class of innovative applications and services, mainly thanks to the advantage of using the existing electrical infrastructures, thus reducing the deployment costs. However, such electrical infrastructures have been originally conceived for power distribution and not for data. Hence, signal propagation is affected by more severe impairments than traditional media, such as impulsive noise and frequency selectivity. Furthermore, new emerging PLC applications need more efficient information delivery schemes that encompass both unicast and multicast mode. Towards this end, this paper deals with an efficient Network Coding (NC) based multicast reliable PLC scheme that makes use of (i) a decision direct impulsive noise mitigation approach and of (ii) a scheme based on multiple transmissions of a same symbols in the frequency domain. A suitable optimization procedure is also proposed here with the aim of improving the performance of the proposed scheme, under the constraint of a specified maximum data flow delivery failure probability. Finally, comparisons with alternative solutions are provided in order to highlight the significant advantages of the proposed scheme in terms of data flow delivery delay and overall transmission energy cost, under specific service constraints.

Broadband wireless video streaming: achieving unicast and multicast IPTV in a practical manner

This paper proposes a versatile IPTV video-streaming scheme that provides high-quality unicast with the aid of repair packets but still supports multicast without repair packets. Prior research on wireless multicast video streaming has addressed the risk of feedback implosion when providing adaptive Forward Error Correction (FEC). This approach has not been adopted by providers, who may either prefer unicast streaming or employ a sufficient level of application-layer FEC to avoid the need for adaptation. Instead in this paper, an adaptive, unicast rateless channel-coding scheme is also run in multicast mode. The paper demonstrates the method and the operating conditions for such a joint unicast/multicast service in terms of data rates and suitable video-content type. Data-partitioned source coding with gradual decoding refresh is adopted in the given scenarios, making for a practical broadband wireless streaming scheme.

A fast and scalable technique for constructing multicast routing trees with optimized quality of service using a firefly based genetic algorithm

We are seeing an explosive proliferation of multimedia content made available on the Internet. Multimedia applications have a multipartite nature where content has to be disseminated to multiple parties using group communication. Overheads involved in distributing the content through unicast can be overcome by using multicast mode of transmission. Many multimedia applications such as audio-video news streams, stock quotes, live conferences and online gaming require strict Quality-of-service (QoS) guarantees. Optimizing a multicast tree for multiple QoS constraints is a multi-objective NP-hard optimization problem. In this work we propose an optimization that uses modified Genetic Algorithm (GA), a branch of evolutionary computation, to determine near-optimal multicast trees to satisfy multiple QoS constraints such as bandwidth, delay and packet loss. Our modification uses the Firefly effect to reduce the convergence time as well the premature convergence of the GA. Our simulation results show that our proposed algorithm is capable of finding a set of near-optimal multicast trees in computationally feasible time within a few iterations and is much faster than other optimization techniques proposed in research literature. Moreover we show that the protocol is scalable and exhibits a linear increase in processing overhead with the increase in group size.

On Linear Precoding Strategies for Secrecy Rate Maximization in Multiuser Multiantenna Wireless Networks

Revived interest in physical layer security has led to a cascade of information theoretic results for various system topologies under different constraints. In the present paper, we provide practically oriented solutions to the problem of maximizing achievable secrecy rates in an environment consisting of multiple legitimate and eavesdropping radio nodes. By assuming “genie” aided perfect channel state information (CSI) feedback for both types of nodes, we first study two scenarios of interest. When independent messages are intended for all legitimate users (called “broadcast” mode), provably convergent second-order cone programming (SOCP)-based iterative procedure is used for designing secrecy rate maximizing beamformers. In the same manner, when a common message is intended only for legitimate nodes (dubbed “multicast” mode), SOCP-based design is proposed for obtaining linear precoders that maximize the achievable secrecy rate. Subsequently, we leverage the analysis to the more real-world scenario, where the CSI of the malicious nodes has to be somehow estimated and that of the legitimate users is corrupted with unavoidable errors. For this case, we devise provably convergent iterative semidefinite programming (SDP) procedures that maximize the achievable secrecy rates for both the beamforming-based broadcast and the linearly precoded multicast modes. Finally, numerical results are reported that evaluate the performance of the proposed solutions as a function of different system parameters. The results presented in the paper are demonstrated to outperform the ones based on interference alignment strategies. We also ascertain superior performance of the proposed schemes in the realms of real world.

On the evaluation of the unicast-multicast switching point in MBMS networks for transmission power saving

Current multimedia services are mainly offered through existing 3G and 4G mobile network infrastructure. Data transmission using these kind of networks is accomplished using multicast mode; in this case, the network allocates radio resources (bandwidth and transmission power) during the whole communication process. This has several drawbacks, such as bandwidth and transmission power consumption, interference and higher operational expenses. Mobile operators require new technologies to optimize their radio resources in order to get more effective operation geared to increase the customer base. Hence the need for a paradigm shift towards multicast or broadcast modes, in which several users can receive the same signal simultaneously, sharing the radio resources. In relation to the above, 3GPP provided a technical solution in the LTE Release 6 standard, which is specified as Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS). MBMS allows unicast to multicast transition from a “switching point” that determines the time and conditions for bandwidth and power transmission savings. This paper presents an evaluation to determine the optimal switching point under the MBMS standard for different wireless contexts. Furthermore, given that MBMS allows the use of Single Frequency Networks (SFN) topologies, with network gain properties, we also determine the additional power savings for this configuration.

A Key Management Scheme for Secure Communications of Advanced Metering Infrastructure in Smart Grid

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is an important component of the smart grid. The cyber security should be considered prior to the AMI system applications. To ensure confidentiality and integrality, a key management scheme (KMS) for a large amount of smart meters (SMs) and devices is required, which is not a properly solved problem until now. Compared with other systems, there are three specific features of AMI that should be carefully considered, including hybrid transmission modes of messages, storage and computation constraints of SMs, and unfixed participators in demand response (DR) projects. In order to deal with security requirements and considering the distinctive features, a novel KMS is proposed. First, the key management framework of an AMI system is constructed based on the key graph. Furthermore, three different key management processes are designed to deal with the hybrid transmission modes, including key management for unicast, broadcast, and multicast modes. Relatively simple cryptographic algorithms are chosen for key generation and refreshing policies due to the storage and computation constraints of SMs. Specific key refreshing policies are designed since the participators in a certain DR project are not fixed. Finally, the security and performance of the KMS are analyzed. According to the results, the proposed scheme is a possible solution for AMI systems.