The Stars of 6G Security
We often take for granted that communication systems are relatively secure. We also assume that the worst consequence of a security breach might involve unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data or financial loss. However, with the increasing evolution and widespread implementation of autonomous systems that rely on AI and cloud communication for decision-making, these vulnerabilities take on a critical nature. In some cases, they could even compromise people’s physical safety.
In the coming decade, mobile networks are expected to achieve higher speeds and data volumes. Beyond this, the number of simultaneous connections and critical data exchanges will increase. This is why developing new communication systems that can detect and classify interference and threats is essential to improving communication security.
On one hand, these systems must be capable of operating at high speeds and allowing the exchange of large data volumes, maximizing resource usage. On the other hand, they must be able to identify any type of unauthorized signal that could pose a risk to communications. To achieve this, they must continuously “listen” to the signals circulating through communication channels to identify potential threats.
STAR Systems
In traditional communication systems, transmitting and receiving data simultaneously requires separating signals either by time or frequency. This means alternating between sending and receiving (first receiving a little, then sending a little, and so on) or using different frequencies for sending and receiving. However, this poses a double challenge:
- Time separation reduces transmission and reception speed, as each action only takes place half the time.
- Frequency separation uses more resources, limiting the amount of information that can be transmitted.
To overcome these limitations and meet the demands of future mobile networks, an advanced technology known as STAR (Simultaneous Transmission And Reception) has been developed. This technology allows devices to send and receive signals at the same time and on the same frequency. It is especially useful for next-generation wireless communications, where the goal is to maximize data transmission speed and frequency efficiency.
However, STAR systems face a major challenge: self-interference. This occurs when a transmitting device also receives its own signal along with the signals from other devices. This self-signal interference can be much stronger than the signals intended for reception since the device’s own signal is transmitted at much higher power. To correctly receive the desired signals, the system must cancel its own transmission from the received signal. While this might seem simple (as the transmitted signal is known), it is a complex problem because the electronic components in the transmission system (filters, amplifiers, antennas, etc.) introduce what are known as non-linear effects into the transmitted signal, creating interference at frequencies different from the original.
Electronic STAR
In 6GDiferente, we are developing an electronic STAR system capable of canceling both the transmitted signal and the non-linear components generated during transmission. This enables us to achieve two key objectives:
- Increase reception range, as lower-intensity signals can be detected without being masked by higher-power signals.
- Monitor transmission channels, allowing detection of unauthorized signals transmitted on those frequencies.
Since interference varies depending on the transmission channel and surrounding obstacles, our system uses adaptive filters that adjust in real-time to changes occurring around the antenna.
Photonic STAR
In addition to the electronic STAR system, 6GDiferente is working on a photonic STAR solution. Photonic technologies, which use light instead of electrons, offer a faster, more efficient, and sustainable alternative to traditional electronics. These technologies allow for faster data transmission, generate less heat (reducing cooling needs), and enable smaller device sizes.
The photonic STAR system cancels transmitted signals in a manner similar to the electronic version but offers several advantages:
- It can operate at higher frequencies than conventional electronics.
- It increases data transmission capacity.
- It reduces environmental impact through lower energy consumption.
These benefits make photonic technologies essential for the development of future 6G networks.
Use Case: Characterizing Radiant Environments for Private Network Configuration
6GDiferente explores the integration of these disruptive and emerging technologies in environments where connectivity and communication security—or even personal safety—could be compromised.
For example, in unmanned vehicles, command and control rely on communication links. Within this context, we are investigating how to detect, monitor, and alert against potential interference—whether intentional or accidental—that could degrade or disrupt vehicle control or sensor performance, posing significant safety risks.
To address this, 6GDiferente incorporates:
- STAR technologies (both electronic and photonic).
- Quantum sensors to monitor all types of signals.
- AI algorithms to process all this information.
This use case lays the foundation for the future of private networks, where operators can rely on environmental data to establish action protocols in cases where communication systems are compromised by interference.
A Cervera Center of Excellence
