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RF-Fencing: A Novel RIS-Based Service for Proactive Covert Communications

Alexandros I. Papadopoulos, Dimitrios Tyrovolas, Alexandros Pitilakis, Panagiotis D. Diamantoulakis, Antonios Lalas, Konstantinos Votis, Nikolaos V. Kantartzis, Sotiris Ioannidis, Christos Liaskos

Abstract

Programmable wireless environments (PWEs), empowered by reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISes), have emerged as a transformative paradigm for next-generation networks, enabling deterministic control over electromagnetic (EM) propagation to enhance both performance and security. In this work, we introduce RF-Fencing, a novel RIS-enabled PWE service that enforces spatially selective control over wireless transmissions, simultaneously suppressing unwanted signal exposure while sustaining robust connectivity for legitimate users. To realize this vision, we develop SHIELD, a lightweight and scalable algorithm that orchestrates multiple RIS units by multiplexing precompiled codebook entries with real-time, low-complexity optimization. Through extensive evaluations across diverse frequencies, RIS configurations, and deployment scenarios, SHIELD demonstrates both far-field directional control and near-field quiet-zone creation, thereby enhancing network security. Our findings reveal that SHIELD effectively balances proactive covert communication with service delivery by dynamically managing multiple signal suppression and delivery areas, while enabling the realization of EM quiet zones with minimal impact on surrounding regions, ultimately establishing RF-Fencing as a practical RIS-based foundation for privacy-preserving and adaptive wireless environments in future 6G networks.

RF-Fencing: A Novel RIS-Based Service for Proactive Covert Communications

Abstract

Programmable wireless environments (PWEs), empowered by reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISes), have emerged as a transformative paradigm for next-generation networks, enabling deterministic control over electromagnetic (EM) propagation to enhance both performance and security. In this work, we introduce RF-Fencing, a novel RIS-enabled PWE service that enforces spatially selective control over wireless transmissions, simultaneously suppressing unwanted signal exposure while sustaining robust connectivity for legitimate users. To realize this vision, we develop SHIELD, a lightweight and scalable algorithm that orchestrates multiple RIS units by multiplexing precompiled codebook entries with real-time, low-complexity optimization. Through extensive evaluations across diverse frequencies, RIS configurations, and deployment scenarios, SHIELD demonstrates both far-field directional control and near-field quiet-zone creation, thereby enhancing network security. Our findings reveal that SHIELD effectively balances proactive covert communication with service delivery by dynamically managing multiple signal suppression and delivery areas, while enabling the realization of EM quiet zones with minimal impact on surrounding regions, ultimately establishing RF-Fencing as a practical RIS-based foundation for privacy-preserving and adaptive wireless environments in future 6G networks.
Paper Structure (16 sections, 24 equations, 11 figures, 1 algorithm)

This paper contains 16 sections, 24 equations, 11 figures, 1 algorithm.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. State of The Art
  3. Motivation & Contribution
  4. Structure
  5. RF-Fencing & RIS modeling
  6. Far-Field Modeling
  7. Near-Field Modeling
  8. SHIELD: A Codebook-Based Algorithm for RF-Fencing
  9. Performance Evaluation
  10. PWE Slicing into FSDAs and HSSAs
  11. THz Scenario
  12. mmWave Scenario
  13. Quiet Zone Creation within PWE
  14. Simulation Setup for Indoor Scenario
  15. Simulation Setup for Outdoor Scenario
  16. ...and 1 more sections

Figures (11)

  • Figure 1: Comparison between traditional networks and PWEs in respect of security and covertness
  • Figure 2: Manufacturing (left) and Operating (right) phase using RF-Fencing SHIELD algorithm.
  • Figure 3: $E_\text{field}$ magnitude before (top) and after (bottom) SHIELD usage for FSDAs ($30^\circ$, $75^\circ$), ($15^\circ$, $165^\circ$) and HSSA ($15^\circ$, $45^\circ$).
  • Figure 4: Cumulative performance results across multiple cases for FSDAs (up) and HSSAs (down).
  • Figure 5: Azimuthal difference effect when the single HSSA lies between (blue) or outside (red) the two FSDAs.
  • ...and 6 more figures