Research on the resilience of 4G/LTE networks to the influence of intentional interference

4G/LTE mobile radio networks provide the transmission of significant amounts of data, low latency, exceptional reliability and real-time operation. In some cases, mobile networks can be considered as a much cheaper alternative to low-orbit satellite communications. At the same time, the assessment of the effects of intentional interference on 4G/LTE mobile networks makes it possible to determine the reliability of their operation and outline the limits of their alternative use. The purpose of the article is to present the main results of an experimental study of the resistance of the 4G/LTE network to the influence of intentional narrowband interference from electronic warfare equipment. A brief description of the principles of building 4G/LTE networks is given. It is emphasized that the use of MIMO technology in the network makes it possible to: increase the bandwidth due to the parallel transmission and reception of several information streams, minimize the impact of multipath on the quality of received signals. The functional diagram of the created prototype of the 4G/LTE network includes: the RRU unit Ericsson Radio 4486 B8B20B28 (operating frequencies in the 700 MHz range, 4×4 MIMO), the Ericsson Antenna 9011 1LM antennas, the BBU Ericsson Baseband 6318 unit and user devices in the form of Samsung S21 smartphones, the software of which has the GSM NetMonitor program installed. The results of network tests for resistance to intentional interference from electronic warfare agents include, in particular, a description and analysis of experimental confirmation of: the lack of stability of the 4G/LTE network with handover installed on the base stations according to the RSRP indicator; the presence of stability of the 4G/LTE network with handover installed at base stations according to the RSRQ indicator.