Physical Layer Security in K-Tier Heterogeneous Cellular Networks Over Nakagami-m Channel During Uplink and Downlink Phases

In this paper, we study the physical layer security performance under K-tier heterogeneous cellular network during both downlink and uplink phases. Especially, Nakagami-m fading is used to capture the characteristics of line-of-sight (LoS) propagation. Using stochastic geometry tool, tractable expressions of connection probability are derived accordingly. Upper-bound expression of secrecy probability is derived through only considering the closest eavesdropper, whose rationality is validated theoretically. While lower-bound expression of secrecy probability is derived through using Jensen's inequality. Moreover, we demonstrate the effects of parameter setting upon network connection and secrecy performances through numerical simulation. For example, Rayleigh fading and LoS scenario (an extreme Rician case) can be regarded as special cases of this paper through properly setting m(0) value. Connection probability is insensitive to BS density during downlink phases, while it is an increasing function of BS density during the uplink phase. We also find that connection probability is an increasing function of m(0) value. Secrecy probability is insensitive to m(0) value, while it is an increasing function of BS density during both downlink and uplink phases.