5G 6G networks get proactive jamming detection with open rAN xApp
Jamming Detection in 5G/6G Networks: From O-RAN Concept to OCUDU Deployment
Networking and Internet Architecture
Summary
Jamming signals can disrupt 5G and future 6G wireless networks, causing delays especially for critical services. The authors introduce a software tool that watches for signs of jamming by tracking errors in the connection. When it detects problems, it slows down the data speed limits to keep delays steady. They test this tool in a lab with real wireless equipment and show it reduces the number of times data needs to be resent by over 67%. They also demonstrate it can work on a real wireless testbed.
What this means in practice
- •For network operators: Improve detection and reaction to jamming in 5G/6G networks by integrating the JD-xApp into O-RAN architectures to maintain service latency.
- •For wireless infrastructure providers: Deploy the open-source OCUDU implementation to enhance jamming resilience in commercial 5G/6G base stations following O-RAN standards.$Commercial implications: Enables selling improved base station software that detects and mitigates jamming to mobile network operators.
Authors
Marcin Hoffmann, Lukasz Kulacz, Osama Baldo, Marcin Pakula, Balaji Raghothaman
Abstract
RF jamming poses a severe threat to 5G/6G networks, increasing packet latency being especially disruption to mission-critical URLLC services. This paper introduces a proactive Jamming Detection xApp (JD-xApp) for the Open RAN architecture that detects attacks by monitoring the moving-average Block Error Rate (BLER) via the E2 interface. Upon detection, the algorithm overrides standard link adaptation, enforcing a robust upper ceiling on the Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) to stabilize latency. To counter O-RAN platform adoption challenges, we transition the framework to an open-source Centralized Unit/Distributed Unit implementation (OCUDU). Evaluated with high-end Keysight lab equipment including the UXM 5G Wireless Test Platform and the PROPSIM F64 channel emulator, the JD-xApp reduces the expected number of packet retransmission attempts by about 67.3%. Finally, the system's feasibility is validated via over-the-air deployment using the POWDER lab infrastructure.