Spectral Domain RF Fingerprinting for 802.11 Wireless Devices

The increase in availability and reduction in cost of commercial communication devices (IEEE compliant such as 802.11, 802.16, etc) has increased wireless user exposure and the need for techniques to properly identify/classify signals for increased security measures. A communication device's emission includes intentional modulation that enables correct device operation. Hardware and environmental factors alter the ideal response and induce unintentional modulation e ects. If these e ects (features) are su ciently unique it becomes possible to identify a device using its ngerprint, with potential discrimination of not only manufacturers but possibly serial numbers for a given manufacturer.