StegoDCF: A New Covert Channel for Smart Grids Utilizing the Channel Access Procedure in Wi-Fi Networks

Abstract

Wi-Fi networks within the smart grid play a vital role in enabling communication between smart meters and data collectors. They are also frequently used in automation and metering, distribution control and monitoring, and distribution protection. However, a significant challenge arises from the uncertainty surrounding the genuine identity of data recipients. In this paper, we propose an efficient and novel covert channel that leverages the IEEE 802.11 DCF to transmit data requiring a high level of security. It is also the world’s first covert channel supporting quality of service (QoS). Our protocol was implemented and tested in the ns-3 simulator, achieving very high-performance results. Its performance remains robust even under saturated network conditions with additional background traffic generated by other stations. This covert channel presents a novel approach to securely transmitting large amounts of QoS data within the smart grid.

Keywords

• smart grid
• IEEE 802.11
• covert channel
• DCF
• backoff procedure
• QoS