Collaborative Research: CNS Core: Medium: Access, Mobility, and Security above 100 GHz

在无线通信中使用100 GHz以上的频率正迅速成为未来（超越5G）无线系统的关键推动因素。这些高频系统被称为太赫兹（THz）链路，提供了许多令人兴奋的可能性，例如超高速数据传输和增强抵御窃听等恶意攻击的能力。然而，到目前为止，很少有研究致力于如何实现一个网络，可以为多个移动用户提供高带宽链接，同时仍然保持对窃听者的安全。本提案的目标是开发必要的硬件和协议，以实现一个安全的网络，为移动用户有效地利用这些高频。研究小组将开发一套方法，使基站能够快速定位广播区域内的多个用户（即使他们正在移动），与每个用户建立高速无线链路，并检测和减轻窃听攻击。此外，该项目还包括一个协调计划，以扩大传统上代表性不足的群体的参与，并包括一个为期一周的高中生太赫兹研究暑期课程。该项目的总体目标是开发一种全新的节点架构，该架构可以在宽带太赫兹网络中支持移动客户端的多重访问，同时保持高度的安全性。该项目的一个重点是探索利用强角色散的新型天线设计。我们提出了一种新的方法来实现这些设备的主动快速电调谐，这些设备将被用于检测窃听攻击，以及合法用户的本地化和移动性检测。第二个项目的目标是开发时空调制阵列架构，通过频谱混叠对广播的侧瓣中包含的信息进行置乱。结合灵活的传感功能，所提出的接口将选择性地为通信创建安全区域。第三，我们将利用这种新节点架构的力量，确保多个移动用户的服务质量得到维持，即使在保证窃听者无法访问主要通信通道的同时，也无法访问建立和维护移动链路所需的控制平面功能。结果将为频谱高效和安全的太赫兹网络提供最佳性能，即使存在由串通窃听者进行的复杂攻击。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The use of frequencies above 100 GHz for wireless communication is rapidly emerging as a key enabler for future (beyond 5G) wireless systems. These high-frequency systems, which are referred to as terahertz (THz) links, offer numerous exciting possibilities, such as ultra-high-speed data transmission and enhanced resilience against malicious attacks such as eavesdropping. Yet, so far, little research has been devoted to the question of how to implement a network that can provide high bandwidth links for multiple mobile users, while still maintaining security against eavesdroppers. The objective of this proposal is to develop the hardware and protocols necessary to implement a secure network for mobile users which efficiently exploits these high frequencies. The research team will develop a set of methodologies to enable a base station to rapidly locate multiple users in a broadcast region (even if they are moving), to establish high-speed wireless links with each of them, and to detect and mitigate eavesdropping attacks. In addition, the project includes a coordinated plan for broadening participation of traditionallyunder-represented groups, and includes a one-week summer course on THz research for high-school students.The overarching goal of this project is to develop a radically new node architecture which can intrinsically support multiple access for mobile clients in a broadband THz network, while also maintaining a high degree of security. One thrust of this project involves the exploration of novel antenna designs which exploit strong angular dispersion. We propose a new method to enable active fast electrical tuning of such devices which will be exploited for detection of an eavesdropping attack, as well as for localization of legitimate users and mobility detection. A second project thrust aims to develop spatio-temporal modulated array architectures for scrambling the information contained in side-lobes of the broadcast, via spectral aliasing. Combined with agile sensing functionalities, the proposed interface will selectively create secure zones for communication. In a third thrust, we will leverage the power of this new node architecture to ensure that the quality of service for multiple mobile users is maintained, even while guaranteeing that eavesdroppers are unable to access, not only the primary communication channels, but also control plane functions required to establish and maintain mobile links. The result will provide the optimal performance for a spectrally efficient and secure THz network, even in the presence of a sophisticated attack by colluding eavesdroppers.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.