MR-DC Tactical Waveforms for Interference-Resistant 5G Control Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G cellular communication networks are vulnerable to physical layer denial, particularly the Xn interface between master and secondary gNodeBs, which can be subject to spectral interference, disrupting control and data traffic channels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a denial-resistant communication system using tactical waveforms such as the Common Data Link (CDL) protocol for the Xn interface, and optionally the Uu interface, to enhance resistance to physical layer denial, along with satellite communication for connectivity between the 5G core network and external networks like SIPRNet or NIPRNet, and utilizing tactical radios and spectral sensors to manage interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the Xn interface is transmitted over a 5G wireless network, then mobility and flexibility are improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to spectral interference and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces satellite communication as an intermediary medium for the N2 and N3 interfaces between the 5G core network and external networks. This satellite link acts as a mediator that provides reliable connectivity without ground-based spectral interference, resolving the contradiction between wireless mobility and resistance to jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from ground-based wireless (prone to interference) to satellite-based wireless (less prone to interference). By changing the physical layer parameters of communication, the system maintains mobility while improving reliability against spectral interference.
2Reliability
If tactical waveforms like CDL protocol are used for the Xn interface, then resistance to physical layer denial is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into different functional parts with different protocol requirements. The Xn interface between gNodeBs uses robust tactical waveforms (CDL protocol) for high reliability, while the Uu interface to user equipment can use standard protocols. This segmentation allows complex protocols to be applied only where necessary, balancing reliability improvements with device complexity.
3Reliability
If satellite communication is used for core network connectivity, then resistance to ground-based interference is improved, but loss of time for signal transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies satellite communication selectively to specific interfaces (N2 and N3) that require protection from ground-based interference, rather than using it for all communications. This local application of satellite links protects critical control and user plane traffic while minimizing overall transmission delays by keeping other interfaces on lower-latency ground-based connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system is described. The communication system includes 5g base stations (gNodeB) which are communicatively coupled to a user equipment (UE) by a multiple radio access technology (multi-RAT) dual connectivity. A first of the gNodeBs is a master gNodeB which relays control signaling from a 5G network core to a secondary gNodeB. To avoid spectral interference of the control signals between the master gNodeB and the secondary gNodeB, the control signals are transmitted according to a tactical waveform protocol selected from the Department of Defense (DoD) Communication Waveform Inventory (2020), such as a common data link (CDL) protocol.