Towards Channel-Resilient CSI-Based RF Fingerprinting using Deep Learning

Abstract: This work introduces DeepCRF, a deep learning framework designed for channel state information-based radio frequency fingerprinting (CSI-RFF). The considered CSI-RFF is built on micro-CSI, a recently discovered radio-frequency (RF) fingerprint that manifests as micro-signals appearing on the channel state information (CSI) curves of commercial WiFi devices. Micro-CSI facilitates CSI-RFF which is more streamlined and easily implementable compared to existing schemes that rely on raw I/Q samples. The primary challenge resides in the precise extraction of micro-CSI from the inherently fluctuating CSI measurements, a process critical for reliable RFF. The construction of a framework that is resilient to channel variability is essential for the practical deployment of CSI-RFF techniques. DeepCRF addresses this challenge with a thoughtfully trained convolutional neural network (CNN). This network's performance is significantly enhanced by employing effective and strategic data augmentation techniques, which bolster its ability to generalize to novel, unseen channel conditions. Furthermore, DeepCRF incorporates supervised contrastive learning to enhance its robustness against noises. Our evaluations demonstrate that DeepCRF significantly enhances the accuracy of device identification across previously unencountered channels. It outperforms both the conventional model-based methods and standard CNN that lack our specialized training and enhancement strategies.