# On the Physical Layer Security of a Decode and Forward Based Mixed FSO/RF Cooperative System

## TL;DR

This paper evaluates the physical layer security of a mixed FSO/RF cooperative system with eavesdroppers, deriving exact and asymptotic secrecy performance metrics using advanced statistical models and validating results through simulations.

## Contribution

It provides the first closed-form expressions for secrecy metrics in a mixed FSO/RF system with Malaga and Nakagami-m fading, including asymptotic analysis.

## Key findings

- Closed-form secrecy outage probability expressions.
- Asymptotic secrecy performance analysis.
- Validation via Monte-Carlo simulations.

## Abstract

In this letter, the secrecy performance of a mixed free space optics (FSO) and radio frequency (RF) system is analyzed from physical layer security (PHY) perspective. In this scenario, one or more eavesdroppers are trying to intercept the confidential signal in a mixed FSO/RF system. The faded FSO links are modeled by Malaga ($\mathcal{M} $) distribution and RF link is characterized by Nakagami-$m$ distribution. Exact closed form expressions for secrecy performance metrics such as secrecy outage probability and strictly positive secrecy capacity are derived and analyzed for the proposed system in terms of Fox's H-function. Furthermore, the asymptotic expressions for these performance metrics are analyzed. Finally, all the results are verified by Monte-Carlo simulations.