News

Fifth-generation, or 5G, mobile network technology is revolutionizing wireless connectivity with its higher data rates, ultralow latency, improved reliability, expanded configurability, increased network capacity, and connectivity among a larger number of users. However, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is concerned about the lack of robust security features in 5G, which makes military communications vulnerable to unwanted detection, geolocation, and jamming. Before the DoD can fully utilize 5G technology, it needs to identify, quantify, and mitigate these vulnerabilities.

A research team at MIT Lincoln Laboratory is working to assess the vulnerabilities of 5G and develop solutions to make it resilient for military use. In April 2022, the team conducted an over-the-air test campaign at Hill Air Force Base (AFB) in Utah. They used GPS-equipped antenna arrays connected to software-defined radios to collect network signals, which were then analyzed by a computer server.

During the test campaign, the team detected 5G signals using various detection algorithms, up to a range of 20 kilometers. They also performed angle-of-arrival estimation to geolocate the signals using the MUSIC algorithm. The team found that commercially available off-the-shelf hardware setups and open-source algorithms were effective in detecting, geolocating, and jamming 5G signals.

The 5G vulnerability assessment conducted by the team builds on previous assessments of 4G vulnerabilities. The rollout of 5G brings significant improvements in speed, latency, connectivity, and flexibility compared to its predecessors. It has the potential to transform various industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing.

However, for military applications, security is of utmost importance. The DoD aims to harness the benefits of 5G while ensuring the secure and reliable communication capabilities required for military operations. The ongoing research at MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an important step towards achieving this goal. By identifying and addressing the vulnerabilities of 5G, the DoD can make informed decisions regarding its integration into military communications systems.

The post Assessing the Vulnerabilities of 5G for Military Applications appeared first on satProviders.