Performance analysis of secrecy capacity for two hop AF relay networks with zero forcing

In this paper, we analyze the secrecy capacity of a multiple-input multiple-out (MIMO) half duplex amplify-and-forward (AF) relay network in the presence of one passive eavesdropper. Zero forcing (ZF) processing is utilized at various locations to improve the capacity when the eavesdropper is equipped with a single antenna. The impact of the proposed ZF-based technique on the secrecy capacity is investigated for three different scenarios depending on where the ZF is applied, namely, 1) ZF at the relay and destination, 2) ZF at the source and relay, 3) ZF at the relay. For these configurations, analytical expressions for the ergodic-secrecy capacity are derived, and simulation results are provided throughout the paper to validate our analysis. Results reveal that reducing the number of source and/or destination antennas will enhance the ergodic-secrecy capacity and the significance of this enhancement is dependent on the particular scenario adopted. Furthermore, it will be shown that, in general, secrecy capacity improves with increasing the relay power.