Rockwell
Objective: To broaden our recent initiative into Wireless Channel Security (WCS) research and provide the new solutions to the problems of interference, denial of access, and spoofing that will be needed as the wireless telecommunications infrastructure expands. Specifically, we want to identify weaknesses in wireless networking technology and develop appropriate countermeasures.
Background: In the past two decades, the public communication system infrastructure has undergone a major revolution. New technologies such as cellular radio-telephone, low-cost wireless systems, and dramatic increases in public network (Internet) use have created a heavy public demand for Wireless Personal Communication Systems. However, intentional or unintentional jamming signals, spoofing, or eavesdroppers can easily interfere with the usefulness of these systems. Existing research has focused on increasing the number of users and the bit rate, data security, and network security. Cryptography systems encode proprietary data and prevent data misuse. A cryptographic system guards against threats to security by providing secrecy, integrity, and a signature to establish sender identity and confirm that an individual sent a message. Network security systems such as firewalls, etc. stop intruders from entering the network electronically. These methods aim to stop unauthorized users from obtaining access to data or computer systems. They do not treat the problems of spoofing or denial of service due to deliberate jamming or interference. More research is needed in these areas of WCS if wireless methods are to prove practical and useful for the U.S. public, industry, and government. As wireless networking moves into industry and government, channel security will be a key factor for its success.
Planned Approach: We will investigate current wireless personal communication system (PCS) standards, such as IS-95 and GSM, to determine vulnerabilities and develop countermeasures and proposed changes to the standards. We also want to investigate ways that the intelligent telecommunication network can aid the wireless channel in overcoming it vulnerabilities. Our research will focus on: 1. Identification of an interference source using methods derived from electronic intelligence systems. These systems use techniques such as direction finding, passive ranging, and frequency analysis to identify an interference source. We will also investigate how to estimate its effect on the network. 2. Reconfiguring the network traffic by intelligent means to minimize the interference problem. We will design a hybrid expert system that combines intelligent systems with existing dynamic channel allocation protocols. This system will provide the flexibility to deal with a dynamic interference environment. 3. Identifying candidate solutions for counteracting the interference. These solutions will take the form of changes in a) user receiver/transmitter hardware and software, b) cell site user receiver/transmitter hardware and software, c) network intelligence algorithms, d) network reconfiguration strategies, and e) traditional Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) for the channel such as adaptive array antennas, frequency hopping, direct-sequence spread spectrum, and interference canceling filters. This work will be done in close cooperation with faculty and students in the Information Systems Security Laboratory at ISU.
Impact on U.S. Industry: If U.S. industry is to obtain the full benefit of wireless, good security must be provided at all levels. The goal of this research is to develop the countermeasures that would provide that security for the wireless channel.
Potential Benefit to Rockwell: Rockwell designs and manufactures communication equipment from the device level (i.g. modems) to the system level. Effective wireless standards and countermeasures will require appropriate hardware and software that Rockwell can provide in new designs. This research can provide Rockwell with the information necessary for those new designs.
Jim Gregory cubfan@iastate.edu 232-2126
Sam Woleben swoleben@iastate.edu 296-0271
Anders Mattsson anders@iastate.edu 296-0416
Seoyoung Lee sylee@iastate.edu 294-4304
Julie Dickerson julied@iastate.edu 294-7705
Annie Lum allk@iastate.edu 268-0210
Mike Shedenheim shedman@iastate.edu 432-9742
Mike Cook bilbomjc@iastate.edu 382-5929