On UAV-IRS-Aided Covert Communication of D2D-Enabled Cellular Networks

Abstract

In this paper, we investigated covert communication in D2D-Enabled cellular network scenario and proposed to improve the covert transmission rate with the assistance of a UAV-IRS (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle with Intelligent Reflecting Surface) mobile relay. The use of UAV-IRS enables D2D transmitters on the ground to transmit sensitive information covertly to D2D receivers without detection by warden Willie. We first determine an optimal detection threshold and derive the detection error probability at Willie, this probability represents the worst-case legitimate transmission. Then, we maximize the covert transmission rate through the maximum transmission power of D2D transmitters, optimal phase shift and optimal horizontal position of UAV-IRS. Simulation results are presented the effectiveness of UAV-IRS-aided covert communication of D2D-enabled cellular networks.