StegoEDCA: An Efficient Covert Channel for Smart Grids Based on IEEE 802.11e Standard

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

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-36

Abstract: Smart grids are continuously evolving, incorporating modern technologies such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LoRaWAN or BLE. Wi-Fi are commonly used to transmit data from measurement systems, distribution control and monitoring systems, as well as network protection systems. However, since Wi-Fi networks primarily operate on unlicensed frequency bands, this introduces significant security risks for sensitive data transmission. In this paper, we propose a novel and highly efficient covert channels that utilize IEEE 802.11 Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) for data transmission. It is also the first ever covert channel that employ three or four independent covert mechanisms to enhance operational efficiency. The proposed mechanism is also the first to exploit the Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) period and the access categories of the EDCA function. The protocol was developed and tested using the ns-3 simulator, achieving excellent performance results. Its efficiency remains consistent even under heavy network load with additional background traffic. These covert channels provide an innovative solution for securely transmitting large volumes of data within the smart grid.

Keywords: smart grid; covert channel; IEEE 802.11e; QoS; EDCA; TXOP (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: 2025
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