ISCAP Proceedings: Abstract Presentation
Leveraging Open Source for Applied Teaching & Research in 5G Networks
Kyle Cronin
Dakota State University
Michael Ham
Dakota State University
Abstract
Dakota State University has a longstanding history of involvement in the National Security Agency’s Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) program. This program ensures that designated institutions follow a rigorous, technical, applied cybersecurity curriculum. One particular challenge in the programs required knowledge units has been the Cellular and Mobile Communications requirement.
Cellular and Mobile Communications, with a basis in radio frequencies, is traditionally housed within engineering departments. RF having its traditional foundations in electrical engineering, becomes a challenge for traditional applied teaching. In the case of the CAE-CO program, the knowledge units are written such that an applied knowledge of the wireless communication is expected, but the math basis does not exist. This has left programs with the challenge: how do institutions deploy lab environments that can accommodate cellular environments outside of math-intensive programs.
While cellular infrastructure is available for purchase, the complications in deployment (let alone expense) generally exceed what is available in a university classroom environment. Luckily, open source solutions exist that may provide for hands on work within a 5G wireless environment. Many solutions have existed that provide the 5G network core, allowing data transmissions or calls to be simulated, however providing the Radio Access Network (RAN) has often been a major limitation.
DSU has implemented a solution leveraging OpenAirInterface which allows students to explore 5G network core components, as well as the inter-communication protocols, in addition to seeing real-world wireless connections if the software defined radio (SDR) hardware is available. This has provided for a low cost solution that is able to be scaled on commodity computers in the classroom. The implementation of this platform has helped achieve the following pedagogical outcomes:
• Student generate actual wireless connections from a 5G cellular device to a demo 5G Radio Access Network
• Students operate the necessary components of the 5G network core
• Students are able to generate scenarios in which a 5G network core may be compromised
This availability has proven to ease the burden of providing the necessary infrastructure, yet still allowed students to have a hands on learning environment. Some costly components (software defined radios and 5G capable phones) are still required, however they may be leveraged for other teaching and research activities whereas dedicated 5G hardware cannot be repurposed.
With a 5G network in operation, students are able to explore the communications that exist within the components of the network core. Often, students are unaware of the simple protocols that are in use between the components (http2) and how they are often unsecure as they frequently do not enforce inter-component authentication. Students are then able to demonstrate the steps that an attacker could use in order to disclose information or disrupt the network.
To provide broader awareness of teaching within this technical area, we will discuss how we build these environments and the activities students partake in to learn how networks function around us.