Yanxiao Zhao, Ph.D.

Biography

Dr. Yanxiao Zhao is an Associate Professor and the Graduate Program Director in the ECE Department, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Dr. Zhao’s research interests include, but not limited to: cyber security, wireless networks including intelligent reflecting surface assisted networks, wireless autonomous networks, wireless body area networks, software-defined networks, and machine learning algorithms. Dr. Zhao has received research grants from various agencies including NSF, NASA, Air Force and Commonwealth Cyber Initiative. Dr. Zhao has published over 90 papers in prestigious journals and international conferences. She was the recipient of the Best Paper Award for three international conferences WASA2009, ChinaCom2016 and ICMIC2019. She has been actively organizing international conferences by serving as TPC co-chair, publicity chairs and TPC members. She is an IEEE Senior Member.

Industry Expertise (3)

Computer Software

Computer Networking

Telecommunications

Areas of Expertise (5)

Intelligent Reflecting Surface Assisted Systems

Machine Learning and Applications

Wireless Communication and Networking

Internet of Things (IoT)

Cyber Security

Education (2)

Old Dominion University: Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering

Xi'an Jiaotong University: M.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering

Courses (2)

Courses taught at VCU (2018-present)

EGRE 364: Microcomputer Systems (4 Credits) EGRE 510: Introduction to Internet of Things (3 Credits) EGRE 526/CMSC 506: Computer Networks and Communication (3 Credits) EGRE 254: Digital Logic Design (4 Credits) EGRE 691: Advanced Computer Networks and Security (3 Credits)

Courses taught at SDSMT (2012-2018)

Computer Networks Wireless Communications Communication Systems Digital System Design in VHDL Electronics

Selected Articles (24)

Proof-of-QoE NOMA Token: A Crypto Rewarding Concept To Incentivize Local Relay In Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access Wireless Networks

2024 International Conference on Computing, Networking and Communications (ICNC)

K. Ramamoorthy, W. Wang, K. Sohraby and Y. Zhao

In this paper, we propose a new crypto token - NOMAToken on the Ethereum blockchain leveraging the Proof of Quality of Experience (QoE) consensus mechanism. NOMAToken serves as a payment token that facilitates all monetary transactions within a NOMA network.

Automatic Modulation Recognition Using Parallel Feature Extraction Architecture

International Conference on Wireless Artificial Intelligent Computing Systems and Applications (WASA 2024)

H. Tang, Y. Zhao, M. Kuzlu, C. Luo, F. O. Catak, W. Wang

We propose a parallel neural network architecture for AMR, which extracts spatial features using CNN layers and temporal features using LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) layers, respectively, in two parallel routes. Afterward, the extracted features will be combined to predict the modulation scheme of a signal.

Study of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Deployment for Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access Wireless Communication Networks

International Symposium on Intelligent Computing and Networking 2024

G. Esitashvili, K. Ramamoorthy, W. Wang and Y. Zhao

In this paper we perform a data-driven study and investigate the possibility to utilize RIS as a tool to provide NOMA users with effective and fair data rate services in wireless communications. Specifically, we investigate what are the best possible deployment locations for RIS, in order to desirably reflect wireless signals to NOMA users in an effective and fair way.

Defending AI-Based Automatic Modulation Recognition Models Against Adversarial Attacks.

IEEE Access, 2023

T. Hao, O. Catak, K. Murat, E. Catak, and Y. Zhao

This paper explores the vulnerabilities of an AI-based AMR model to adversarial attacks in both single-input-single-output and multiple-input-multiple-output scenarios. We show that these attacks can significantly reduce the classification performance of the AI-based AMR model, which highlights the security and robustness concerns.

Wireless Signal Denoising Using Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks

IEEE INFOCOM Workshops, 2023

H. Tang, Y. Zhao, G. Wang, C. Luo, and W. Wang

This paper investigates an adversarial learning-based approach for wireless signal denoising, which will correspondingly enhance signal strength. Specifically, we design a conditional generative adversarial network at the receiver to establish an adversarial game between a generator and a discriminator.

Security Hardening of Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces Against Adversarial Machine Learning Attacks

IEEE Access, 2022.

O. Catak, K. Murat, T. Hao, E. Catak, and Y. Zhao

This paper focuses on an AI-powered IRS implementation in NextG networks along with its vulnerability against adversarial machine learning attacks. This paper also proposes the defensive distillation mitigation method to defend and improve the robustness of the AI-powered IRS model, i.e., reduce the vulnerability.

Use of Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces For and Against Wireless Communication Security

IEEE 4th 5G World Forum (5GWF), 2021

S. Sarp, H. Tang and Y. Zhao

This paper presents the recent accomplishment of the use of IRS-based systems for secure wireless communication by grouping into two categories: secure communication utilizing IRS and security threats using IRS.

Optimal On Demand Delay-constrained Fair Distribution for Self-coexistence WRAN

Computer Networks Journal

Y. Zhao, MD N. Anjum, L. Pu, G. Wang, Y. Luo

2018-04-07

In this paper, we fully consider the distinct delay constraints and frame demands of users and formulate the resource allocation optimization problem as an integer programming problem. A new approach termed On Demand Delay-constrained Fair Distribution (ODDFD) is proposed to solve this optimization problem.

DTER: Schedule Optimal RF Energy Request and Harvest for Internet of Things

IEEE Internet of Things Journal

Y. Luo, L. Pu, Y. Zhao, G. Wang, M. Song

2018-02-20

We propose a new energy harvesting strategy that uses a dedicated energy source (ES) to optimally replenish energy for radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting powered Internet of Things. Specifically, we develop a two-step dual tunnel energy requesting (DTER) strategy that minimizes the energy consumption on both the energy harvesting device and the ES.

Data Aggregation Point Placement Problem in Neighborhood Area Networks of Smart Grid

Mobile Networks and Applications Journal

G. Wang, Y. Zhao, Y. Ying, J. Huang, R. Winter

2018-01-26

In this paper, we investigate the DAP placement problem and propose solutions to reduce the distance between DAPs and smart meters. Specifically, the DAP placement problem is formulated with two objectives, e.g., the average distance minimization and the maximum distance minimization.

Harness Interference for Performance Improvement in Underwater Sensor Networks

IEEE Systems Journal

Y. Luo, L. Pu, Y. Zhao, J. Cui

2017-08-29

In this paper, we propose a new communication scheme, called the mirror node assisted communication (MNAC), to improve the channel efficiency in underwater sensor networks (UWSNs). In the new scheme, a mirror node is selected properly for each specified source node so that the signals from the source and the mirror nodes could add destructively at a protected receiver.

The Controller Placement Problem in Software Defined Networking: A Survey

IEEE Network

G. Wang, Y. Zhao, J. Huang, W. Wang

2017-10-01

In this article, we first survey the state-of-the-art solutions to the controller placement problem in SDN, and draw a taxonomy based on their objectives, and then propose a new approach to minimize the packet propagation latency between controllers and switches.

Prediction-based Spectrum Management in Cognitive Radio Networks

IEEE Systems Journal

Y. Zhao, Z. Hong, Y. Luo, G. Wang, L. Pu

2017-09-08

In this paper, we propose a new prediction-based spectrum management strategy to tackle this challenge. Both spectrum prediction and users’ mobility prediction are fully considered in the proposed strategy.

Exploring Uncertainties of Transmission and Reception Delays for Underwater Acoustic Networks

IEEE Wireless Communications Letter

Y. Luo, L. Pu, Y. Zhao, J. Cui

2017-04-28

In this letter, we study delay uncertainties of a real underwater system on sending and receiving acoustic signals. Based on experimental data, the delay is first decomposed into seven components, then the features of each component are studied carefully.

A Game-Theoretic Resource Allocation Approach for Intercell Device-to-Device Communications in Cellular Networks

IEEE Transactions on Emerging Topics in Computing

J. Huang, Y. Yin, Y. Zhao, Q. Duan, W. Wang, S. Yu,

2016-10-01

In this paper, we investigate the resource allocation issue for intercell scenarios where a D2D link is located in the overlapping area of two neighboring cells. Furthermore, we present three intercell D2D scenarios regarding the resource allocation problem.

An Effective AODV- based Flooding Detection and Prevention for Smart Meter Network

International Conference on Identification, Information and Knowledge in the Internet of Things (IIKI)

M. Hasan, Y. Zhao, G. Wang, Y. Luo, R. Winter

2018-10-19

To detect and prevent flooding attacks, we propose a new AODV-based routing protocol called FLOoding aWareness AODV (FLOW-AODV) considering both with and without Internet Protocol (IP) spoofing.

Enhanced AODV: Detection and Avoidance of Black Hole Attack in Smart Metering Network

International Conference on Computer Communications and Networks (ICCCN) Workshop (WiMAN)

Md R. Hasan, Y. Zhao, G.Wang, Y. Luo and R. Winter,

2017-08-03

To detect and avoid black hole attacks, we propose a new routing protocol, termed Enhanced Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (E-AODV) by modifying the Route Reply (RREP) system based on AODV.

Optimal Energy Requesting Strategy for RF-based Energy Harvesting Wireless Communications

IEEE International Conference on Computer Communications (INFOCOM)

Y. Luo, L. Pu, Y. Zhao, G.Wang, M. Song,

2017-05-01

This paper introduces a new energy harvesting strategy that uses a dedicated energy source to optimally replenish energy for radio frequency (RF) based wireless communication systems. Specifically, we develop a two-step dual tunnel energy requesting (DTER) strategy that allows an energy harvesting device to effectively obtain energy from a dedicated energy source.

A K-Means-Based Network Partition Algorithm for Controller Placement in Software Defined Network

IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC)

G. Wang, Y. Zhao, J. Huang, Q. Duan, J. Li,

2016-05-23

In this paper, we investigate multi-controller placement problem from the perspective of latency minimization. Distinct from previous works, the network partition technique is introduced to simplify the problem.

High-Order Hidden Bivariate Markov Model: A Novel Approach on Spectrum Prediction

25th International Conference on Computer Communication and Networks (ICCCN)

Y. Zhao, Z. Hong, G. Wang, J. Huang

2016-08-01

In this paper, we propose a novel prediction approach termed high-order hidden bivariate Markov model (H^2BMM), by leveraging the advantages of both HBMM and high-order. H^2BMM applies two dimensional parameters, i.e., hidden process and underlying process, to more accurately describe the channel behavior.

Optimal Resource Allocation for Delay Constrained Users in Self-coexistence WRAN

IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM)

Y. Zhao, MD N. Anjum, M. Song, X. Xu, G. Wang

2015-12-06

To fully consider various delay constraints and frame demands, in this paper we formulate the resource allocation optimization problem as an integer programming problem and present a new approach termed On Demand Delay-constrained Fair Distribution (ODDFD).

Detection of primary user's signal in cognitive radio networks: Angle of Arrival based approach

IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM)

Y. Zhao, J Huang, W Wang, R. Zaman

2014-12-08

In this paper, we address this issue and propose to employ an Angle of Arrival (AoA) based sensing approach to effectively distinct a primary user's signal from a secondary user' signal.

FMAC: A Fair MAC Protocol for Coexisting Cognitive Radio networks

IEEE International Conference on Computer Communications (INFOCOM)

Y. Zhao, M. Song, C. Xin

2013-04-14

In this paper, we introduce a novel MAC protocol, termed fairness-oriented media access control (FMAC), to address the dynamic availability of channels and achieve fair and efficient coexistence of cognitive radio networks.

Spectrum sensing based on three-state model to accomplish all-level fairness for co-existing multiple cognitive radio networks

IEEE International Conference on Computer Communications (INFOCOM)

Y. Zhao, M. Song, C. Xin, M. Wadhwa

2012-03-25

In this paper, we propose a three-state sensing model that distinguishes the channel into three states: idle, occupied by a primary user, or occupied by a secondary user.