Distributed Cross-Layer Optimization for Covert Multi-Hop, Multi-Modal Networks: Exponentially Fast Convergence and Robust Tracking

Abstract: This paper develops the first distributed cross-layer algorithm for joint congestion control, routing, scheduling, and power control in covert multi-hop, multi-modal wireless networks, where adversarial wardens (Willies) monitor radio modalities via energy detection. The Detection Error Probability (DEP), the probability that a Willie fails to reliably detect ongoing transmissions, is generally non-concave in the transmit powers, making DEP-based covert network optimization challenging. We resolve this by constructing the tightest concave lower bound on the log-DEP, yielding a conservative convex problem that guarantees satisfaction of the original DEP constraints and unifies hard covertness constraints and covertness-utility maximization in a single problem. We develop a Parallel Proximal Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (PP-ADMM) algorithm for the resulting cross-layer problem and prove global Q-linear convergence, i.e., exponentially fast convergence, to the set of optimal solutions under standard regularity conditions. Numerical results confirm linear convergence and demonstrate robust tracking performance under channel fading and Willie mobility.