Cognitive network secrecy with interference engineering

Achieving secrecy in cognitive wireless networks is challenging due to the broadcast nature of the propagation medium. This article introduces the concept of cognitive network secrecy for coexisting primary and secondary networks sharing the same radio resources. We present a framework for the design and analysis of cognitive networks with secrecy that accounts for their intrinsic properties such as node spatial distribution, wireless propagation medium, and aggregate network interference. While interference is usually considered deleterious for communications, we envision that mutual interference between primary and secondary networks can be beneficial for cognitive network secrecy. To this end, we put forth interference engineering strategies and quantify their benefits for cognitive network secrecy. Our analysis reveals the innate connection between cognitive network secrecy and intrinsic properties of the networks, opening the way to a new paradigm of cognitive network secrecy with interference engineering.