Research Projects

In the era of heightened maritime warfare, the security of maritime tactical communication is essential to safeguard naval operations against evolving cyber threats and to enhance the effectiveness of maritime tactical communications. This research addresses critical security challenges in maritime communications by integrating Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS)-aided Hybrid Satellite-Terrestrial networks (HSTNs) in naval maritime operations. The rationale stems from the urgent need for secure, reliable communication systems in dynamic maritime environments such as Carrier strike groups (CSG) where traditional methods face limitations. The scientific objectives include developing an intelligent RIS-enabled communication architecture with artificial noise injection, thereby optimizing hybrid network protocols for maritime applications, and enhancing physical layer security through strategic noise manipulation. Our project proposes that RIS-enabled hybrid networks, combined with artificial noise techniques, can significantly improve maritime communication security while maintaining reliability. The research model integrates optimized RIS configurations, adaptive resource allocation mechanisms, and controlled artificial noise injection to create secure communication zones. The main experiments encompass validation of RIS performance in maritime conditions, optimization of beamforming techniques with artificial noise, evaluation of seamless satellite-terrestrial handover protocols, and System-on-Chip (SoC) implementation of a transceiver design using Software Defined Radio (SDR) to validate theoretical results. The significance of this research extends beyond theoretical advancement, potentially revolutionizing maritime security infrastructure. Successful implementation could establish new standards for secure naval maritime communications, while the SDR-based prototype will provide practical validation, bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and real-world applications. This comprehensive approach also promises substantial impact on maritime defence technology and operational efficiency in naval strike groups.

Maritime Communication, Hybrid Satellite Terrestrial, RIS, Artificial Noise, Physical Layer Security, Maritime defence