Dynamic Reference Frequency Allocation for Smart Jamming Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

5G/LTE wireless networks are vulnerable to jamming attacks, particularly from smart jamming technologies that exploit predictable signal patterns and band allocations, posing a threat to critical networks by disrupting communication and denying service to authorized users.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a frequency shifting technique where authorized base stations and user equipment use a dynamically shifted reference frequency, known only to them, to prevent unauthorized devices from jamming by making it difficult for them to predict the communication frequency, thereby maintaining communication integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed reference frequency is used for wireless communication, then communication simplicity and ease of operation are improved, but the network becomes vulnerable to smart jamming attacks that exploit predictable signal patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication simplicityVSAvoidjamming vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static reference frequency to a dynamic frequency selection mechanism. The base station and user equipment jointly determine a shifted reference frequency that changes over time, making the communication signal unpredictable to jamming devices while maintaining operational simplicity through automated frequency management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter from a fixed value to a dynamically shifted value. By applying a frequency shift to the reference signal, the system alters the operating frequency parameter to avoid predictable patterns that smart jamming devices exploit, thereby reducing vulnerability while maintaining communication efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If frequency shifting is implemented to prevent jamming, then resilience against smart jamming attacks is improved, but device complexity increases due to dynamic frequency determination and coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejamming resilienceVSAvoidfrequency management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency management function into distinct components: the base station generates frequency shift information, transmits it to user equipment, and both parties independently apply the shift. This segmentation distributes the complexity across multiple devices rather than concentrating it in one location, making the system more manageable while maintaining jamming resilience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the base station and user equipment exchange information about the determined frequency shift. This feedback loop ensures both parties use the same shifted reference frequency, coordinating their actions automatically and reducing the perceived complexity through structured information exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a dynamically shifted reference frequency is used, then smart jamming attacks are mitigated by making frequency prediction difficult, but synchronization requirements between transmitter and receiver increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmart jamming mitigationVSAvoidsynchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the base station determine and communicate the frequency shift value to the user equipment before actual data transmission begins. This advance notification allows the receiving device to pre-configure its frequency offset, ensuring both transmitter and receiver are synchronized before communication starts, thereby reducing synchronization complexity during active transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4401369B1Flexible reference frequency allocation for smart jamming mitigation
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4401369B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4401369B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4401369B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Various techniques are provided for a method that may include generating an additional frequency shift for wireless transmission, generating a frequency shift pattern based on a standard carrier frequency and the additional frequency shift, communicating, by a base station to a user equipment, information related to the additional frequency shift, and communicating, by the base station to the user equipment, a data stream using the frequency shift pattern.