Jamming a terahertz wireless link

Abstract

As the demand for bandwidth in wireless communication increases, carrier frequencies will reach the terahertz (THz) regime. One of the common preconceived notions is that, at these high frequencies, signals can radiate with high directivity which inherently provides more secure channels. Here, we describe the first study of the vulnerability of these directional links to jamming, in which we identify several features that are distinct from the usual considerations of jamming at low frequencies. We show that the receiver’s use of an envelope detector provides the jammer with the ability to thwart active attempts to adapt to their attack. In addition, a jammer can exploit the broadband nature of typical receivers to implement a beat jamming attack, which allows them to optimize the efficacy of the interference even if their broadcast is detuned from the frequency of the intended link. Our work quantifies the increasing susceptibility of broadband receivers to jamming, revealing previously unidentified vulnerabilities which must be considered in the development of future wireless systems operating above 100 GHz.

Wireless communications sensing and security above 100 GHz

“…Moreover, while these wavefronts can be generated using static phase masks (such as axicons for Bessel beams or spiral phase plates for different OAM modes), the same can be achieved by the utilization of dense antenna arrays 41 , 42 , which (unlike phase masks) could also in principle be dynamically reconfigurable 43 , 44 . We note that the security vulnerabilities associated with using such unusual wavefronts could be quite different from those associated with conventional side-lobe eavesdropping or jamming attacks 45 , and could offer new opportunities for enhancing link security 46 .…”

Broadband Terahertz Near-Field Excitation and Detection of Silicon Photonic Crystal Modes

“…10,11 In the context of free-space communication, terahertz radiation uniquely provides a bridge between optics and electronics, 12 sharing the advantages of both IR waves (high directivity, large bandwidth) and microwaves (reduced diffraction). However, the strong dependence on atmospheric conditions, 13 the large absorption of water and vapor, 14 signal interference, 15 the loss of the long-range free space path, 16 and the need for precise alignment between the source and receiver 17 limit the practicality of THz wireless links. To address this, recent years have been marked by the emergence of waveguide-based (sometimes referred to as wired) terahertz communication platforms, 18 which have the potential to overcome some of the above challenges.…”

The effect of angular dispersion on THz data transmission

“…For one, these directional beams will need to be steered in order to maintain a link with a mobile receiver 4 , 5 . The directionality also requires new protocols for the initial discovery and establishment of links and for overcoming transient blockage of the beam by, e.g., mobile obstructions such as people, and also has important implications for link security 6 . Numerous innovative solutions to these problems have been proposed recently, and these issues remain topics of much current research 7 – 15 .…”