Reliable Communication Network Research Articles

Critical infrastructure monitoring in CBRNe scenarios: a reliable and robust communication network for distributed multimodal sensors

The malicious misuse of CBRNe agents can inflict extensive damage to critical infrastructure and terrorize public society. The effects of such attacks can range from financial or structural drawbacks to significant casualties. Recent terror attacks in Cucuta (2021) or Kabul (2021) demonstrate the need to protect infrastructures such as airports, power plants, and transportation infrastructure. In the face of these modern-day threats, the need for a reliable and effective monitoring system for critical infrastructure has become increasingly important. In a first contribution to the long-term development, we present an initial version of a concept that requires the implementation paradigm of diverse redundancy and secure communication using MQTTS relying on the included cipher suite. An initial set of node types is defined and assigned requirements for implementation. The software tools architecture we propose based on these requirements is designed to support network operators and developers by providing standard features for network management and sensor node implementation. This includes the definition of a secure semi-automatic onboarding process for new sensor nodes, which is presented in detail. We strive for independency from specific hardware platforms, software frameworks, and network technologies to enable an open standard for communication within a critical infrastructure sensor network and also between such networks in the future.

Generation and Analysis of a Dataset of Optimal Double-Loop Circulant Networks

Optimal circulant networks are of practical interest as graph models of reliable communication networks for supercomputer systems and networks on a chip. A large dataset of parameters of optimal double-loop circulant networks with a number of nodes of up to 50,000 and 451,000 points has been constructed. The dataset contains, for each number of vertices, all generators corresponding to optimal or suboptimal (in the absence of optimal) descriptions of the graph. This made it possible to find analytical dependencies of the parameters that define families of optimal graphs. Based on the analysis of the constructed dataset, the solution to the problem of determining optimal two-dimensional circulant networks is studied. A process is automated for determining analytical, parametric descriptions of the families of optimal double-loop networks, described polynomials of diameter. Having applied the methods of integrating differential evolution and reduced local search to the analysis of the generated dataset, we rediscovered a number of previously known families and found more than 200 new, different from all those known in literature, families of optimal double-loop networks with generators of linear and quadratic types of polynomials. Our new ap­proach can be applied to studing datasets of other promising classes of graphs and networks.

Sailing into the future: technologies, challenges, and opportunities for maritime communication networks in the 6G era

The maritime domain is a major driver of economic growth with emerging services, comprising intelligent transportation systems (ITSs), smart ports, security and safety, and ocean monitoring systems. Sixth generation (6G) mobile networks will offer various technologies, paving the way for reliable and autonomous maritime communication networks (MCNs), supporting these novel maritime services. This review presents the main enabling technologies for future MCNs and relevant use cases, including ITSs with reduced carbon footprint, ports and maritime infrastructure security, as well as fault detection and predictive maintenance. Moreover, the current trends in integrated satellite-aerial-terrestrial-maritime network architectures are discussed together with the different network segments and communication technologies, and machine learning integration aspects.

System theory safety analysis of network malfunction in nuclear power plant distributed control systems

Abstract A secure and highly reliable communication network is a crucial component of the distributed control system (DCS) in nuclear power plants (NPPs), particularly for the protection system. However, there have been numerous reported cases of cyber-attacks in the field of nuclear power, and the cybersecurity threats faced by a DCS are increasing. Given that the DCS is a complex integrated system combining computers, communication, and control with a large number of interactions between components and external interferences, traditional linear safety analysis methods fail to meet its requirements. To minimize cybersecurity accidents caused by potential vulnerabilities, it is necessary to conduct systematic safety analysis on DCS cybersecurity accidents in NPPs. Therefore, this paper selected a specific case of cybersecurity accidents in a NPP for abstract modeling and reproduction. The causal analysis based on system theory (CAST) method was applied to conduct an analysis of the accident causes. It can identify existing vulnerabilities and potential factors impacting the safe operation of NPPs, and countermeasures and recommendations can be proposed. The reference for assessing potential risks and devising solutions can be provided for other DCS communication networks.

Evaluating Signal Quality and System Performance in NB-IoT Communications

The expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has created a need for reliable and fault-tolerant communication networks. However, ensuring consistent signal quality and power efficiency has proven to be challenging. This study evaluated the performance of Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) communications using the SIM7020 module connected to a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, focusing on signal quality across indoor, outdoor, urban and rural areas. Supervised machine learning for indoor localisation based on Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) has been introduced, for example, to enhance NB-IoT performance. However, this and other approaches have encountered difficulties in mobile and obstructed environments, including signal attenuation, connectivity variability and increased power consumption. The objective of this study was to analyse NB-IoT signal strength and power consumption, providing guidance for deploying real-time communication IoT applications. Empirical data was analysed to understand the RSSI and Cellular Signal Quality (CSQ) in different locations. Signal quality in urban and outdoor environments was prone to fluctuations due to mobility and interference, whereas rural areas had weaker but more consistent signals. Indoor environments suffered from significant signal attenuation. The results emphasise the importance of improved handover mechanisms and adaptive deployment strategies to ensure reliable connectivity across various IoT applications.

Key Issues on Integrating 5G into Industrial Systems

Under the auspice of further developing 5G mobile communication technology and integrating it with the latest advancements in the field of Industrial Internet-of-Things, this study conducts in-depth research and detailed analysis on the combination of 5G with industrial systems based on composite structures, communication network architectures, wireless application scenarios, and communication protocols. The status quo, development trend, and necessity of 5G mobile communication technology are explored and its potential in industrial applications is analyzed. Based on the current practical development level of 5G technology, by considering different requirements for bandwidth, real-time performance, and reliability in communication networks of industrial systems, this study proposes three feasible paths for the integration between 5G and industrial systems, including the method to use 5G in place of field buses. Finally, by introducing real-world cases, this study has successfully demonstrated the integration of 5G and industrial systems by extending 5G terminals as field bus gateways. This study provides valuable references for research and practice in related fields.

Microwave Antenna Optimization for Low Latency and High Throughput Communication Systems

This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of microwave antenna optimization strategies aimed at achieving low latency and high throughput in modern communication systems. With the escalating demand for real-time applications and data-intensive services, the optimization of microwave antennas has become imperative to meet the stringent requirements of responsiveness and efficiency. The abstract delves into various facets of antenna optimization, including design parameters, signal processing techniques, and deployment considerations, all geared towards minimizing latency and maximizing throughput. Through a thorough review of existing literature and practical insights from real-world deployments, this research aims to provide valuable guidance for engineers and researchers in designing and implementing optimized microwave antennas for next-generation communication networks. By examining the intricate interplay between antenna design, signal processing algorithms, and deployment strategies, this paper elucidates the challenges and opportunities in achieving low latency and high throughput in microwave communication systems. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of factors such as gain, beamwidth, polarization, frequency band selection, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, beamforming, adaptive coding and modulation (ACM), antenna placement, tower height, and line-of-sight considerations in optimizing antenna performance. The findings presented in this paper contribute to advancing the understanding of microwave antenna optimization and offer practical insights into enhancing the responsiveness, efficiency, and reliability of modern communication networks.

IoT-Driven solutions for VANET trustworthiness: Examining misconduct and position security challenges

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) improve the traffic management and road safety by exchanging real-time data between automobiles and roadside infrastructure. Reliable Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) solutions tend to boost VANET data security, integrity and dependability. These systems communicate VANET data between infrastructure and automobiles using sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and communication technologies. IoT-driven includes a Real-Time Traffic Observation optimizes VANET route design. Traffic management and safety improve with ITS-connected cars and infrastructure. Remote communication technologies enhance traffic management and decision-making by sending a real-time data between cars and infrastructure. Smart parking systems use real-time parking availability data from IoT sensors and devices to maximize space use and reduce congestion. Security and misbehavior are dependable problems in 40 IoT-driven VANET studies. Miscommunication and unstandardized are the main security issues which pose hazards. This review shows VANETs that requires authentication, encryption and anomaly detection to prevent attacks and IoT for transportation sector. This extensive review covers VANET reliability and IoT-driven real-time traffic monitoring, ITS, remote communication and intelligent parking systems. This review analyzes the metrics to assess the many detection techniques which includes, misconduct-Aware On-Demand Collaborative Intrusion Detection System (MACIDS) and Collision-Induced Dissociation Spectroscopy (CIDS), (i) Accuracy (ii) False Positive Rate, (iii) precision, (iv) recall (v) False Negative Rate and (vi) F1-Score in VANET security in Attack Detection Rates (ADR), misbehavior detection, evaluation metrics and detection algorithms were studied using CIC-IDS data. Due to misconduct and security issues, a strong IoT-driven solutions are required to improve VANET trustworthiness and offers a secure and reliable vehicular communication networks for safer and more efficient transportation systems.

Asynchronous Federated Learning with Grey Wolf Optimization for the Heterogeneity IoT Devices

The Internet of Things (IoT) creates new options for real-time data collection and Machine Learning (ML) model development. Nonetheless, it's feasible that a particular IoT device does not have sufficient computational power to train and implement a complete learning model. However, there are significant communication costs and data security and privacy concerns associated with sending actual data to a centralised server with a lot of computational power. Federated Learning (FL) is a potential way to train ML models using low-powered devices and Edge Servers (ES) since it is a distributed ML architecture. However, the vast majority of the works in existence make the unsustainable assumption of a synchronized parameters update manner with similar IoT nodes and reliable communications networks. To increase training efficiency and accelerate the speed for heterogeneous IoT devices in an unreliable network environment, we designed an Asynchronous Federated Learning strategy with Grey Wolf Optimization (AFL-GWO) in this research. In particular, we develop a Lightweight Node Selection (LNS) technique and propose an AFL-GWO model to efficiently complete learning tasks. To ensure that diverse IoT nodes with varying computational capabilities and network connectivity are represented in the global learning aggregate, the proposed technique makes node selections on an iterative basis. We show through extensive experiments that our suggested AFL-GWO system outperforms the state-of-the-art techniques on identically and independently distributed (IID) and non-IID data distribution in a variety of contexts.

An Analysis and Improvement Scheme for the Weakness of Kerberos V5 Authentication

The security protocol of network system can ensure the reliability of network communication. Kerberos protocol is a kind of security verification mechanism based on shared key, which has been adopted for a long time on the Internet. This text introduces the authentication process of Kerberos v5 protocol. To the defect that the authentication server don’t authenticate the user’s identity but it hold safe in building on the basis whether the user can correctly decrypt the ciphertext message in the protocol, we put forward a scheme that adding in the Challenge/Response mechanism to improve its security in Symmetric Cipher Mechanism. Passing the improved scheme’s analysis we can perceive the method that adding in Challenge/Response identity authentication technology will greatly resist Offline Password Conjecture Attack.

Mitigating attenuation effects in free-space optics using WDM under variable atmospheric conditions

Abstract This research delves into the optimization of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) within free space optical (FSO) communication systems, aiming to enhance the system’s resilience against atmospheric disruptions. FSO communication, known for its high bandwidth capabilities in unlicensed frequency bands, often encounters reliability issues due to weather-related signal degradation. By integrating a novel WDM-FSO approach, this study seeks to extend the operational range by using switching technique, thereby ensuring consistent and reliable communication. The introduction of a sophisticated switching and fork mechanism is pivotal in this context, facilitating dynamic signal routing and the strategic placement of optical amplifiers to counteract the impact of weather fluctuations and geographical challenges on signal integrity. This system, engineered to support a data transmission rate of 25 Gbps, caters to the needs of applications requiring high bandwidth. Through rigorous performance evaluation based on the Q-factor and BER under various atmospheric conditions, the effectiveness of the WDM-FSO system is demonstrated. The findings are detailed through graphs and tables, providing a comprehensive understanding of the system’s performance. This study makes a significant contribution to the field of wireless optical communication by presenting an optimized WDM-FSO system capable of overcoming weather-related obstacles especially at places where weather conditions are changed very frequently, marking a step forward in establishing more reliable FSO communication networks.

Disaster scenario optimised link state routing protocol and message prioritisation

AbstractNatural and artificial (human‐made) disasters have been steadily increasing all over the world, signifying the importance of providing reliable and energy friendly communication network to survivors in the aftermath of a disaster. On the other hand, low‐battery devices running optimised link state routing (OLSR) protocol often experience quick power failure which restricts their ability to communicate for a necessary period during rescue operations. To extend the lifespans and prioritise message delivery on low‐battery devices, the authors examine disaster scenario optimised link state routing (DS‐OLSR) protocol ALERT message and propose an innovative solution to prioritise messages based on the device battery energy level, leading to more energy conservation, packet delivery as well as better emotional state of survivors. An ALERT message is a novel message type added to mobile ad‐hoc network's (MANET) popular OLSR protocol for energy efficiency. The proposed DS‐OLSR Protocol and Message Prioritisation (DS‐OLSRMP) as an extension of DS‐OLSR modifies the multipoint relay mechanism and uses a prioritisation technique which classify nodes into four priority groups: Critical, High, Medium, and Low priorities. These priority groups help in prioritising both message delivery and message status notifications for devices with low battery energy. The DS‐OLSRMP was implemented in a Network Simulator, version 3.29 and compared with DS‐OLSR, OLSRv1 and OLSRv2. The simulation results show that DS‐OLSRMP performs better than DS‐OLSR, OLSRv1 and OLSRv2 in terms of energy conservation and packets delivery in the simulation of both sparse and dense network scenarios.

Analysis of the structural reliability of communication networks supporting protective switching mechanisms for one protected section and one backup section

Objectives. The service level agreement is an important tool used in building reasonable relations between subscribers and operators of telecommunication networks. This includes the quality of services provided. One key component is reliability as assessed by the availability factor. The most suitable model for assessing the reliability of the service provided is a random graph model based on the service contour. This is the set of technical resources involved in the provision of this service. In this formulation, the assessment of the reliability of the service is based on the reliability of elements which constitute the telecommunications network (graph), nodes (vertices) and communication lines (edges). At the same time, the availability factors of nodes and lines are determined by the design features of the distribution environment, as well as the technical means used to organize them. The purpose of this work is to develop an approach to analyzing the reliability of telecommunication networks which support protective switching mechanisms for one protected and one backup sections.Methods. The following methods are used: theory of random graphs, matrices, probabilities and computer modeling.Results. The elements of the route, both basic and reserving, are divided into three groups. The first indicates permanent unchangeable parts of the paths, the second group identifies the reserved sections, and the third group indicates the reserving sections. At the same time, each of the reserved and reserving sections is formed on the basis of specified preferences. They are usually aimed at increasing the resulting reliability, although other rules may be used. In the case of protective switching schemes for one protected section and one backup sections, a variant of forming routes used for further calculations of the reliability indicator is shown.Conclusions. Using the example of a backbone network, the study shows that the use of protective switching mechanisms for the case of one required transmission route demonstrates a significant increase in reliability, with the exception of the use of protective switching in sections. This is primarily due to the topology features of the network under consideration.

Role of Cybersecurity Legal Frameworks in Shaping the Risk Preparedness of the Telecommunication Sector in Safaricom Head Office, Nairobi, Kenya

The role of cybersecurity legal frameworks for assessing risk preparedness in the telecommunications industry is crucial to protecting sensitive information and guaranteeing the resilience of digital infrastructure. To investigate how legal frameworks affect the risk preparation tactics used by the massive telecom company, this research employs the Safaricom Head Office in Nairobi, Kenya, as a case study. The study adopts a descriptive methodology to thoroughly explore and describe the current cybersecurity legal landscape, including its conceptualization and subsequent impact on risk management within the company. This study is significant because of the rising reliance on digital technologies and the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats. Because the telecommunications sector is an essential backbone for many sectors, knowing the legal frameworks governing cybersecurity is critical to guaranteeing the reliability and security of communication networks. This includes determining how well Safaricom's cybersecurity policies correspond with regulatory requirements, identifying any gaps, and investigating compliance concerns. The study aims to gain a thorough understanding of the relationship between legal frameworks and risk management strategies, ultimately contributing to the improvement of cybersecurity practices in the telecommunications industry.

Reliability Assessment of Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Networks through Headway Distribution and Information Propagation Delay

Several developed vehicle spaces and time headway distribution models in traffic flow theory have been widely used in the literature, reflecting the primary uncertainty in drivers’ car-following movements and explaining the traffic flow stochastic features. Moreover, effective vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication is a key to decentralizing traffic information systems. Accurate vehicle headway distribution estimation will ensure reliable communication and benefit passengers’ safety and comfort. Consider several proposals for headway distribution in the literature; this paper studies the effect of space-headway distribution on information propagation delay in assessing the reliability of the V2V communication networks. We utilize the properties of reliability measurement for headway data by introducing the quasi-maximum likelihood estimator (QMLE) to measure the effects that different headway models have on estimating the parameters of headway distribution in a V2V communication network. The statistical analysis is then applied to the real Next-Generation Simulation (NGSIM) data. It validates the proposed methodology and formulations by measuring the effects of model selection on headway data and information propagation delay on the reliability of the V2V network. The results show that the effect of headway distribution when the vehicle’s transmission range is smaller than the road segmentation is not negligible, especially when cars are very distant. Based on our results, we recommend new metrics based on Kullback–Leibler divergence for model selection of headway data, thereby enhancing the reliability of the V2V network.

Enabling Vehicle-to-Vehicle Trust in Rural Areas: An Evaluation of a Pre-Signature Scheme for Infrastructure-Limited Environments

This research investigates the deployment and effectiveness of the novel Pre-Signature scheme, developed to allow for up-to-date reputation being available in Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communications in rural landscapes, where the communications infrastructure is limited. We discuss how existing standards and specifications can be adjusted to incorporate the Pre-Signature scheme to disseminate reputation. Addressing the unique challenges posed by sparse or irregular Roadside Units (RSUs) coverage in these areas, the study investigates the implications of such environmental factors on the integrity and reliability of V2V communication networks. Using the widely used SUMO traffic simulation tool, we create and simulate real-world rural scenarios. We have conducted an in-depth performance evaluation of the Pre-Signature scheme under the typical infrastructural limitations encountered in rural scenarios. Our findings demonstrate the scheme’s usefulness in scenarios with variable or constrained RSUs access. Furthermore, the relationships between the three variables, communication range, amount of RSUs, and degree of home-to-vehicle connectivity overnight, are studied, offering an exhaustive analysis of the determinants influencing V2V communication efficiency in rural contexts. The important findings are (1) that access to accurate Reputation Values increases with all three variables and (2) the necessity of Pre-Signatures decreases if the amount and range of RSUs increase to high numbers. Together, these findings imply that areas with a low degree of adoption of RSUs (typically rural areas) benefit the most from our approach.

Exploring the Role of Wi-Fi Direct's Service Discovery Protocol in Forming Wireless Collaboration Networks: A Scoping Review

The increasing ubiquity of mobile devices and the Internet has become a hallmark of modern society, yet challenges persist in ensuring reliable communication networks during unforeseen disruptions, such as pandemics, war, or natural disasters. Despite the advancement of Wi-Fi technology, the development of a comprehensive model for temporary communication networks based on Wi-Fi interfaces during these disruptions remains inconclusive. The temporary and infrastructure-less wireless network created by mobile devices is referred to as a Wireless Collaboration Network (WCN). To assess the extent to which wireless protocols have been leveraged in forming Wireless WCN, a scoping review was conducted. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature, specifically focusing on the Service Discovery (SD) protocol of Wi-Fi Direct within the Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) domain. Our investigation delved into solutions developed by researchers in this domain and the various metrics employed to evaluate the performance of these solutions. The scoping review protocol encompassed nine distinct steps, ranging from formulating research questions to synthesizing results. The review process involved examining three major databases: IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and Scopus, with the assistance of Mendeley for data organization and filtering. In total, our search identified 186 records across these databases. After rigorous screening, which included removing duplicates, irrelevant articles, and inaccessible content, we selected 35 articles for comprehensive review. These reviewed articles were then summarized and presented in a table, offering valuable insights into article titles, objectives, measurement parameters, techniques employed, and the noteworthy contributions of each work. The table serves as an invaluable resource for researchers in the field, facilitating a deeper understanding of the research landscape and enabling easier access to the collective knowledge within this domain.

Reliability of LoRaWAN Communications in Mining Environments: A Survey on Challenges and Design Requirements

While a robust and reliable communication network for monitoring the mining environment in a timely manner to take care of people, the planet Earth and profits is key, the mining environment is very challenging in terms of achieving reliable wireless transmission. This survey therefore investigates the reliability of LoRaWAN communication in the mining environment, identifying the challenges and design requirements. Bearing in mind that LoRaWAN is an IoT communication technology that has not yet been fully deployed in mining, the survey incorporates an investigation of LoRaWAN and other mining IoT communication technologies to determine their records of reliability, strengths and weaknesses and applications in mining. This aspect of the survey gives insight into the requirements of future mining IoT communication technologies and where LoRaWAN can be deployed in both underground and surface mining. Specific questions that the survey addresses are: (1) What is the record of reliability of LoRaWAN in mining environments? (2) What contributions have been made with regard to LoRa/LoRaWAN communication in general towards improving reliability? (3) What are the challenges and design requirements of LoRaWAN reliability in mining environments? (4) What research opportunities exist for achieving LoRaWAN communication in mining environments? In addition to recommending open research opportunities, the lessons learnt from the survey are also outlined.

Research on ecosystem detection based on wireless communication network

Ecosystem monitoring is of great significance in environmental protection and sustainable development. Wireless communication networks provide a broad application prospect for ecosystem monitoring, but there is a lack of further research on the strengths and weaknesses of the existing research results and specific application scenarios, as well as on the reliability of data processing. This paper aims to explore the theoretical basis of the reliability of wireless communication networks in ecosystem monitoring. Firstly, the current status, characteristics and challenges of wireless communication networks in ecosystem monitoring are reviewed, the key elements in ecosystem monitoring and the requirements for data integrity and accuracy are analyzed in detail, and the reliability problems of signal interference, node failure and data loss in data transmission are discussed. Secondly, methods and strategies to improve the reliability of ecosystem monitoring based on wireless communication networks are explored. By reviewing and analyzing the existing research results, the advantages and disadvantages of different methods as well as the applicable scenarios are elaborated. Finally, the paper proposes directions and challenges for future research. The exploration of emerging technologies is emphasized. At the same time, issues that need to be addressed, network security, energy efficiency and cost feasibility are pointed out. The significance of this paper in academic and industry practice can further deepen the exploration of the theoretical basis of reliability and combine it with practical application scenarios for verification and optimization.

Enhanced Coordination in the PV–HESS Microgrids Cluster: Introducing a New Distributed Event Consensus Algorithm

To ensure reliable power delivery to customers under potential disturbances, the coordination of a microgrid cluster (MGC) is essential. Various control strategies—centralized, decentralized, distributed, and hierarchical—have been explored in the literature to achieve this goal. The hierarchical control method, with three distinct levels, has proven effective in fostering coordination among microgrids (MGs) within the cluster. The third control level, utilizing a time-triggering consensus protocol, relies on a continuous and reliable communication network for data exchange among MGs, leading to resource-intensive operations and potential data congestion. Moreover, uncertainties introduced by renewable energy sources (RESs) can adversely impact cluster performance. In response to these challenges, this paper introduces a new distributed event-triggered consensus algorithm (DETC) to enhance the efficiency in handling the aforementioned issues. The proposed algorithm significantly reduces communication burdens, addressing resource usage concerns. The performance of this approach is evaluated through simulations of a cluster comprising four DC MGs, in each of which were PV and a hybrid Battery-Super capacitor in the MATLAB environment. The key findings indicate that the proposed DETC algorithm achieves commendable results in terms of voltage regulation, precise power sharing among sources, and a reduction in triggering instants. Based on these results, this method can be deemed as a good development in MGC management, providing a more efficient and reliable means of coordination, particularly in scenarios with dynamic loads and renewable energy integration. It is also a viable option for current microgrid systems, due to its ability to decrease communication loads while retaining excellent performance.