Wireless sensing systems have been employed in the field of healthcare, environment monitoring, and smart agriculture, etc. Since the freshness and accuracy indicators of the sensing data are critical to wireless sensing systems, it is of great significance to ensure their performances simultaneously, i.e., the Age of Information (AoI) and information entropy of the sensing data should be jointly optimized. In this regard, we first establish the wireless sensing system models, including AoI and information entropy expressions. Next, from the information entropy viewpoint, we theoretically analyze an impact of the AoI on data accuracy. Then, we formulate the joint optimization problem of AoI, information entropy, and sensing energy consumption. Furthermore, we propose two numerical algorithms to solve the formulated problem in the known or unknown transmission environment, respectively. Finally, we evaluate the correctness and effectiveness of our proposals under various parameter settings, where the proposed scheme can obtain a better sum-weighted performance on AoI, information entropy, and sensing energy consumption than baselines in the literature.

Real-time healthcare indicates monitoring people's health status in a timely manner. In this regard, wireless techniques can be used to provide immediate access to bio-sensing information, facilitating monitoring and instant communication between healthcare providers [1]. Such a scheme aims to realize real-time decision-making and intervention, improving patient outcomes and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

By utilizing intelligent mobile terminals, mobile crowdsensing (MCS) can realize the sensing data collection effectively and economically. However, the privacy security and freshness quality of the obtained sensing data are two major concerns to be addressed in MCS, as they directly impact the system security and timeliness performance. In this regard, we focus on improving the data freshness performance and protecting sensing data content, sensing terminals' identification, and location information simultaneously. Accordingly, based on the artificial noise (AN)-based differential privacy and covert communication technologies, we aim to jointly minimize the Age of Information (AoI) metric and weighted privacy preservation budget in the single terminal scenario. Besides, we achieve the goal of average AoI optimization with data computing requirements in multiple terminal systems, where the privacy preservation budget is treated as the critical constraint. Furthermore, by using the backward induction (BI) method and block successive upper-bound minimization (BSUM) approach, we solve the above two optimization problems, respectively. Finally, compared with the listed baselines, the results evaluate the proposed schemes' effectiveness under various simulation settings.

Green communication has attracted lots of attention recently, where NOMA (Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access) is one of the most promising technologies to realize energy-efficient communication. Specifically, by making massive wireless devices connect to the same time-frequency resource, NOMA can enhance the spectrum efficiency. In this paper, to investigate the freshness of the sensing data, we analyze the Age of Information (AoI) performance in NOMA-enabled Mobile Crowdsensing (MCS) circumstance, where the stochastic geometry theory is adopted. Firstly, we focus on the data submission process between mobile workers (MWs) and service provides (SPs), which drives to establish a model of the NOMA-enabled MCS. Then, given the transmission schemes of NOMA and OMA (Orthogonal Multiple Access), the mathematical expressions of the AoI metric are derived in the closed form respectively. Furthermore, simulation experiments are conducted to obtain AoI numerical results under various parameter settings (e.g., power strategies, queue models, and transmission protocols). Finally, the evaluation results not only prove the validness of the established models, but also provide some efficient solutions to achieve the optimal AoI value under the considered NOMA-enabled MCS scenario.

6G-based wireless communication system is poised to redefine the next-generation network landscape by enabling novel services and applications, such as intelligent link establishment, power control, data collection, transmission, and distribution. However, security issues, particularly recently revealed channel access attack (CAA), present significant challenges to performance optimization tasks in the heterogeneous wireless networks of 6G, namely, Age of Information (AoI) oriented Network (AoN), Throughput oriented Network (ToN), and Latency oriented Network (LoN). To address these challenges, this article presents a game theory-based smart optimization solution to enable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to resist CAA within a 6G-based heterogeneous network. Our methodology begins by outlining the advantages and challenges associated with UAV usage, followed by the design of performance indicators and intelligent resource allocation schemes under the influence of CAA. Subsequently, we introduce definitions and categories within game theory, encompassing the concept and equilibrium of three typical game models. The efficacy of our proposed framework is validated through simulation results, which demonstrate the achievement of optimal AoI, enhanced throughput, and reduced latency compared with baseline methodologies when countering CAA in a UAV-assisted heterogeneous network.

Trajectory design is of great significance for the intelligent Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) when performing various ground tasks. Though obstacle avoidance, speed control and other movement issues in the UGV navigation have been considered by the current research, the UGV path planning against malicious radio source is off the beaten path. To address such a research gap, we propose a reinforcement learning-based scheme to design UGV trajectory against malicious radio source as well as minimize the movement cost. Firstly, the malicious radio source detection and localization models are introduced after the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) map establishment. Then, the RSSI Map-based UGV trajectory design problem is formulated, where the movement cost and security risk are both concerned. To solve the formed problem, we propose a reinforcement learning-based trajectory design scheme, whose complexities are analyzed in detail. Finally, experiments are conducted under various parameter settings, where the simulation results evaluate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

As a promising enabler for edge intelligence, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have become more and more important in Mobile Edge Computing Networks (MECN), such as communication, computation, collection and control service supply. Although Age of Information (AoI) minimization is indispensable for fresh information collection and computation in the UAV-aided MECN, some attackers can launch attacks to deteriorate the availability of precious channel resources, such as revealed channel access attacks (CAAs). Moreover, recent research has not considered the system’s active probability and security issues concurrently, e.g., CAA, in the average AoI minimization process. In this paper, to deal with this problem, we consider an AoI-oriented channel access problem under CAA with a game theory viewpoint. Firstly, to obtain a MECN-based AoI indicator under CAA, the system model with active probability consideration is established. Next, the channel access-based AoI minimization problem is formulated from the viewpoint of the Ordinary Potential Game (OPG). Furthermore, two algorithms called AACSD and DCASD are proposed to determine channel access strategies, by which the Nash Equilibrium (NE) solution of the OPG could be reached. Finally, experiments are conducted under homogeneous and heterogeneous parameter settings, and the simulation results evaluate the correctness and effectiveness of our proposals.

Intelligent Vehicle Systems (IVSs) devote to integrating the data sensing, processing, and transmission in the Vehicle to Everything (V2X) scenarios, where the Unnamed Aircraft Vehicle (UAV)-aided traffic monitoring network is one of the most significant applications. Moreover, since the central premise to support the IVS is timely and effectively sensing data processing, Age of Information (AoI) can precisely reflect the timeliness and effectiveness of the communication process in the UAV-aided traffic monitoring network. However, recent researches pay little attention to AoI minimization issue, especially when the malicious attacker attempts to deteriorate the network performance. The accurately modelling of the adversarial relationship between legitimate UAVs and attacker is not fully investigated. To make up this research gap, we start from the Stackelberg game viewpoint to investigate the AoI optimization problem in the UAV-aided traffic monitoring network under attack. Firstly, the system model and three-layer Stackelberg game-based optimization goal are established. Secondly, based on the Backward Induction (BI) analysis, the follower’s data sensing rate, transmission power, and the leader’s attacking power are determined by the Lagrange duality optimization technology successively. Moreover, the sub-gradient update-based optimization technology is used to achieve the Stackelberg Equilibrium (SE). Finally, simulations are performed under various parameters. The evaluation results present better performance of our proposed approach when compared with the typical baselines.

To efficiently and reliably obtain the target data, mobile crowdsensing (MCS) is widely used to provide the sensing data collection service. Currently, despite concerns of sensing network scale and mobility can be addressed to some degree in the MCS manner, the freshness and privacy goals of the sensing data are still not considered simultaneously. We combine the Age of Information (AoI) with security-enhanced technique to establish a novel MCS system, which can guarantee data freshness and security, respectively. Hence, the problem is formatted as a joint AoI optimization and privacy-preservation process. To solve this problem, we utilize game theory to achieve AoI-oriented spectrum access, and homomorphic encryption to encrypt communication data. Finally, security analysis and numerical results show that our proposed approach can effectively ensure the security level and improve the AoI performance at the same time in MCS.

As a promising enabler for edge intelligence, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are playing a more and more important role in Mobile Edge Computing Networks (MECN), such as ground sensor communication assistance, user data collection, edge computation offloading and remote control services. In UAV-aided MECN, the timeliness of exchange data is a key factor that influences the real-time data-driven decisions at the server-side. Simultaneously, the Age of information (AoI) is also an indicator that reflects the freshness of data in terms of the destination during the communication process. Hence, AoI minimization is a vital goal in the MECN. The most recent work overlooks the possible security issues in the AoI minimization process, especially the revealed channel access attacks (CAAs), which aim to deteriorate network performance from ground to air channels. To overcome this research gap, in this paper, we improve the AoI-oriented channel access problem under CAA from the perspective of game theory. Firstly, a system model with active probability consideration is established to obtain a MECN-based AoI indicator under CAA. Subsequently, by utilizing Ordinary Potential Game (OPG), we formulate the AoI-based channel access optimization problem. Then, to reach the Nash Equilibrium (NE) of the OPG, a learning algorithm called Distributed Channel Access Strategy Determination (DCASD) is proposed to determine the channel access strategies. Finally, we conduct experiments under different parameters to present the better performance of our algorithm as compared with related work.

Malicious code attacks have severely hindered the current development of the Internet technologies. Once the devices are infected with virus, the damages to companies and users are unpredictable. Although researchers have developed malware detection methods, the analysis result still cannot achieve the desired accuracy due to complicated malicious code families and fast-growing variants. In this paper, to solve this problem, we combine Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to design an efficient and accurate malware detection method. First, we implement a code visualization method and utilize GAN to generate more samples of malicious code variants in the role of data augmentation. Then, the lightweight AlexNet originated from CNN to classify malware families. Finally, simulation experiments are conducted to evaluate that our CNN plus GAN model can achieve a higher classification accuracy (i.e., 97.78%) compared with some related work.

Efficient grant-free uplink transmission is critical in minimizing Age of Information (AoI) in multichannel Internet of Things (IoT) networks. But less attention has been paid to this topic especially when dynamic channel access attacks (DCAAs) exist. To bridge this gap, this article formulates the distributed channel access problem in AoI-oriented IoT networks, and then a reinforcement learning-based solution is put forward based on the theoretical results of the game theory. First, a utility maximization problem is formulated for each sensor node based on its average AoI under DCAAs with probabilistic ACK feedback. Second, the problem is transformed into two ordinary potential game (OPG) models, which are both proved to have at least one nash equilibrium (NE); and a distributed learning algorithm is proposed to reach the NE. Finally, extensive simulations are conducted to evaluate the proposal’s performance. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in various parameters settings.

Given the explosive growth of portable devices, mobile crowdsensing (MCS) is becoming an essential approach that fully utilizes pervasive idle resources to accomplish sensing tasks. The traditional MCS relies on the centralized server for task handle is susceptible to a single point of failure. Targeting this security issue, researchers have proposed a series of blockchain-based MCS. However, nodes in the blockchain suffer from high computation cost for data processing. Simultaneously, most blockchain-based MCS systems lack an efficient incentive mechanism for service requesters and workers. In this work, we integrate the smart contract and mobile devices to establish a secure, interactive, and fair blockchain-based MCS system called BSIF. To prevent illegitimate participants, BSIF requests all users to verify their identities using private keys from the registration phase. In the case of worker location privacy leakage, the location-based symmetric key generator is adopted to coordinate a session key for target range worker selection. Besides, we transfer the data evaluation process to the requester side (e.g., a personal computer), reducing computation cost in the blockchain nodes. Due to the homomorphic feature of the Paillier Cryptosystem and common interest, the requester cannot violate the directives from the blockchain. Subsequently, the Stackelberg game is adopted to investigate the participation level of the workers and the fair reward mechanism for the requesters to achieve a dynamic balance. Finally, the security analysis and performance evaluation demonstrate that our BSIF can defend against possible adversaries while significantly cutting overhead and giving participants the utmost incentive.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a dramatic loss of human life has occurred and this trend presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, economic systems and social operations. Hence, it is urgent for us to take some countermeasures to restrain and dispel epidemic diffusion to the uttermost. Data freshness plays an inevitable role in timely infestor determination during this process. However, existing works pay little attention to optimizing this indicator in health monitoring. To make up this research gap, in this paper, we propose a mixed game-based Age of Information (AoI) optimization scheme, where the edge-based wireless technologies and AI-empowered diagnostic bots are adopted. Firstly, we establish the system model for Epidemic Prevention and Control Center (EPCC)-based health state monitoring network, where ultimate biosensing data is transmitted from AI bots via edge servers. Then, upon deriving AoI expression with a closed form, the minimization goal between edge servers and bots is specified. Simultaneously, we reformulate the AoI optimization problem from the mixed game viewpoint (i.e., coalition formation game and ordinary potential game), and then propose two algorithms for cooperative order-based bot deployment and stochastic learning-based channel selection. Finally, compared with the typical baselines, the experiment result shows our scheme can reach the lower AoI value for biosensing data transmission under different parameter settings.

The timeless and efficient vehicle data transmission are the two common requirements for the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), especially the Unnamed Aircraft Vehicle (UAV)-aided Vehicular Edge Computing (VEC) network. Moreover, since the Age of Information (AoI) performance greatly influences these two indicators, data quality should be guaranteed in vehicle communication. However, few researchers pay attention to the AoI performance optimization issue regarding wireless resource constraint, transmission interference, and vehicle cooperation in recent years. To close this research gap, we propose an AoI-oriented channel access strategy in the UAV-aided VEC network from the game theory viewpoint. Firstly, the UAV-aided VEC network model and edge computing-based AoI expression are established and derived in the closed form, respectively. Subsequently, we transform the AoI minimization problem into an AoI-based channel access issue from the game theory viewpoint. Moreover, the stochastic learning-based algorithm is proposed to find the Nash Equilibrium (NE) solution of the formulated problem. Finally, simulation results evaluate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms, where our scheme can achieve the better AoI value compared with baselines.

Indoor robots, in particular AI-enhanced robots, are enabling a wide range of beneficial applications. However, great cyber or physical damages could be resulted if the robots’ vulnerabilities are exploited for malicious purposes. Therefore, a continuous active tracking of multiple robots’ positions is necessary. From the perspective of wireless communication, indoor robots are treated as radio sources. Existing radio tracking methods are sensitive to indoor multipath effects and error-prone with great cost. In this backdrop, this paper presents an indoor radio sources tracking algorithm. Firstly, an RSSI (received signal strength indicator) map is constructed based on the interpolation theory. Secondly, a YOLO v3 (You Only Look Once Version 3) detector is applied on the map to identify and locate multiple radio sources. Combining a source’s locations at different times, we can reconstruct its moving path and track its movement. Experimental results have shown that in the typical parameter settings, our algorithm’s average positioning error is lower than 0.39 m, and the average identification precision is larger than 93.18% in case of 6 radio sources.

This paper focuses on the joint optimization of the Age of Information (AoI) and Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio‐ (SINR‐) oriented channel access problem under attack in the Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Firstly, to overcome the uncertain, dynamic, and incomplete information constrains, an active probability model and a controlling channel model are proposed for the sensors and the receiving end, respectively. Secondly, to ensure the AoI and SINR of the data generated by the sensors when transmitted under attack, one utility function based on average AoI and SINR is defined. Then, considering the distributed feature of the channel access process, the joint optimization problem is formulated under the game theory structure. Then, a distributed learning algorithm is proposed to reach the Nash Equilibrium (NE) of the game. Finally, simulation results have verified the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method.