Wireless Access Point Beam Control Against UAV Eavesdropping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned Vehicles (UAVs) can gain unauthorized physical access to wireless telecommunications networks and intercept wireless signals, compromising security measures that rely on coverage area configuration, such as those using highly directional phased-array antennas.
Innovation Solution
Implement a system with an optical camera and a beam management node to detect and classify objects in the network's coverage area, adjusting beam parameters to exclude illegitimate users and ensuring secure communication by reducing signal strength or changing encryption methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical access controls and coverage area configuration are used to prevent eavesdropping, then security is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to UAVs that can physically access coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of UAVs using optical cameras and classification algorithms before they can intercept signals. The beam management node identifies unauthorized vehicles and takes preemptive action to adjust beam parameters, preventing the UAV from accessing the coverage area or intercepting communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection and classification system between the wireless transmission and the potential eavesdropper. Optical cameras capture images of objects in the coverage area, the classification algorithm determines whether the object is a legitimate user or UAV, and the beam management node mediates by adjusting beam parameters accordingly.
2Reliability
If beam parameters are adjusted to exclude UAVs, then security is improved, but service continuity for legitimate users may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different beam parameter adjustments to different spatial locations and user types. Legitimate users within the coverage area continue to receive service normally, while UAVs are excluded by modifying beam parameters in their specific location. The beam management node selectively adjusts parameters rather than blocking the entire coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam parameters are dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of objects in the coverage area. When a UAV is detected, the system dynamically modifies beam parameters to exclude it. When legitimate users are detected, the system maintains appropriate service parameters. This dynamic adaptation ensures service continuity for authorized users while maintaining security.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively secures wireless communications by preventing unauthorized access and maintaining service continuity for legitimate users, even when faced with UAV eavesdroppers.
Implementation Method 1
an optical camera and a beam management node to detect and classify objects in the network's coverage area
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention provides a network node for a wireless telecommunications network, and a method of operating said network node, wherein the wireless telecommunications network includes a first access point having a first transmitter configured to transmit in a first coverage area, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, from a sensor, data indicative of an object within the first coverage area of the first access point's first transmitter; determining, from the data, that the object is an illegitimate user; and, in response, causing a modification of the first access point so that the object cannot successfully receive a transmission from the first transmitter. This invention also provides a network node for a wireless telecommunications network, and a method of operating said network node, wherein the wireless telecommunications network includes a first access point having a first transmitter configured to transmit in a first coverage area, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, from a sensor, data indicative of an object within the first coverage area of the first access point's first transmitter; determining, from the data, that the object is an illegitimate user; and, in response, causing a modification of the first access point to implement an encryption technique for the transmission from the first transmitter or to switch to a more secure encryption technique for the transmission from the first transmitter.