Characterizing 5G Networks (Char5G)

Currently, the Navy does not have a lightweight and reliable system that can perform characterization, integrity checks, vulnerability discovery/detection and verification upon entry into 5G networks in an expeditionary setting (vehicle-mounted), so that users can use these networks safely. Our Phase I research confirmed it is possible to develop a portable, automated, efficient device usable by non-experts (e.g., forward-deployed soldiers) that automatically finds/analyzes 5G networks and provides a simple, actional report. The Navy needs such a device. During Phase I we: confirmed that differences/variances across 5G networks are sufficient to allow characterization, developed an optimized approach for rapid detection of 5G cells in a wide frequency spectrum, developed an optimized approach for raw signal (I/Q) capture, storage, and analysis,  tracked network through a 5G state machine to characterize/fingerprint/analyze networks with UEs, and obtained additional characteristics though probing and attacking. Based on our findings and discussions with stakeholders, we present a long-term solution to characterization of 5G networks with short-, mid-, and long-term deployment potential. Our solution is based on available COTS components combined with advancements to the state-of-the-art in signal detection, acquisition, storage, processing, and analysis leading towards more advanced active scenarios with antenna transmissions.