Wireless Security Research
Securing Adoption of FutureG and Beyond Technology
In response to the nation’s challenge to develop and validate FutureG security protocols and data protection technologies, Idaho National Laboratory has dedicated researchers to lead and coordinate government, academic, and private industry research efforts fostering more secure and reliable FutureG wireless technology. INL draws on over 20 years of foundational work, expertise and unique facilities to analyze, design, test, and improve cellular, radio, and satellite communication systems for government agencies and global wireless communication companies.
With this research, INL aims to enable government and industry to maximize the benefits of FutureG and beyond technology by providing superior policy and decision data, security evaluation, engineering support, and technology development.
Security Focus Areas and Strategy
5G Device and Network Security Analysis
• SA Device vulnerability and threat analysis
• Extension to gNodeB/RAN and 5G core network
• 5G evaluation, range buildout, and analysis for the energy sector
Cellular Drone Security
• Secure nationwide networks including frequency reuse
• 5G enhanced authentication including device-to-device (D2D) schemes
• Impact from 6 GHz reallocations
Secure Spectrum Sharing Architecture
• Spectral efficiency improvement with cyclic prefix
• Mission Critical Ultra-reliable Low-latency (URLLC)
• Spectrum Cyber Initiative: WiFIRE
• Clandestine and video surveillance communications
Through research partnerships, recognized leadership, and differentiating capabilities, INL is becoming a catalyst for discovery and the preferred provider for wireless security and resilience research and evaluation.
INL’s research team draws on this expertise to organize and facilitate Wireless Security Workshops to provide a collaborative and innovative forum for the FutureG security community. The workshops discuss critical security challenges, security needs and actions needed to strengthen collaboration and engagement between industry, government and academia.
Other Wireless Security Activities and Partners
Collaborating on National and Global Challenges
Research of Future Technologies
INL Wireless researchers continue to grow we will lead improvements the national talent pipeline for wireless security of the future. Areas that the WSI expertise and capabilities are expanding to include are:
- 5G security assessments
- Wireless Security for Nuclear Power Plants
- Wi-Fi 6E impact to Infrastructure control communications
- National Center for Wireless Spectrum Research (SII – Center)
- National Radio Dynamic Zones (NRDZ)
- 5G impacts to Radio Altimeter (RA) operations (4.2-4.4 GHz)
- 5G impacts and opportunities for law enforcement
