Robust Beamfocusing for Secure NFC with Imperfect CSI

In this paper, we consider the issue of the physical layer security (PLS) problem between two nodes, i.e., transmitter (Alice) and receiver (Bob), in the presence of an eavesdropper (Eve) in a near-field communication (NFC) system. Notably, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) arrays significantly increase array aperture, thereby rendering the eavesdroppers more inclined to lurk near the transmission end. This situation necessitates using near-field channel models to more accurately describe channel characteristics. We consider two schemes with imperfect channel estimation information (CSI). The first scheme involves a conventional multiple-input multiple-output multiple-antenna eavesdropper (MIMOME) setup, where Alice simultaneously transmits information signal and artificial noise (AN). In the second scheme, Bob operates in a full-duplex (FD) mode, with Alice transmitting information signal while Bob emits AN. We then jointly design beamforming and AN vectors to degrade the reception signal quality at Eve, based on the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of each node. To tackle the power minimization problem, we propose an iterative algorithm that includes an additional constraint to ensure adherence to specified quality-of-service (QoS) metrics. Additionally, we decompose the robust optimization problem of the two schemes into two sub-problems, with one that can be solved using generalized Rayleigh quotient methods and the other that can be addressed through semi-definite programming (SDP). Finally, our simulation results confirm the viability of the proposed approach and demonstrate the effectiveness of the protection zone for NFC systems operating with CSI.