StegoBackoff: Creating a Covert Channel in Smart Grids Using the Backoff Procedure of IEEE 802.11 Networks

Geovani Teca and Marek Natkaniec ()
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Geovani Teca: Institute of Telecommunications, AGH University of Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Marek Natkaniec: Institute of Telecommunications, AGH University of Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-26

Abstract: A smart grid constitutes an electrical infrastructure that integrates communication technologies to optimize electricity production, distribution, and consumption. Within the smart grid, IEEE 802.11 networks play a crucial role in facilitating communication between smart meters and data collectors, operating within a shared transmission medium. However, a notable challenge arises due to the lack of certainty regarding the genuine identity of data recipients. In response, we present a solution—a novel covert channel leveraging the IEEE 802.11 backoff procedure—to transmit data that requires special protection. Implemented using the ns-3 simulator, our covert channel achieved a throughput of 140,000 bps when single covert station realized transmission in the wireless channel, and 880 bps in a populated environment characterized by high traffic volumes. This performance metric shows that our mechanism is better than other covert channels, where the performance in saturated conditions usually does not exceed several hundred bps. This covert channel represents a new approach to fortifying data integrity and privacy within smart grid communication.

Keywords: smart grid; IEEE 802.11 network; covert channel; backoff procedure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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