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

使用100 GHz以上的频率进行无线通信正在迅速成为未来（超过5G）无线系统的关键推动因素。这些被称为太赫兹（THz）链路的高频系统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的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，可以提供高带宽的链接，为多个移动的用户，同时仍然保持对窃听者的安全性的问题。本提案的目的是开发必要的硬件和协议，为移动的用户实现一个安全的网络，有效地利用这些高频率。该研究小组将开发一套方法，使基站能够快速定位广播区域中的多个用户（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，该项目还包括一项扩大传统上代表性不足的群体参与的协调计划，并包括为高中生开设一个为期一周的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，这种架构可以在宽带太赫兹网络中为移动的客户端提供固有的多路访问支持，同时也保持高度的安全性。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，使这种设备，将被利用的窃听攻击的检测，以及本地化的合法用户和移动性检测的主动快速电调谐。第二个项目的目标是开发时空调制阵列架构，用于通过频谱混叠对广播旁瓣中包含的信息进行加扰。结合灵活的传感功能，拟议的接口将有选择地创建安全区域进行通信。在第三个推力，我们将利用这种新的节点架构的力量，以确保多个移动的用户的服务质量得到维护，即使在保证窃听者无法访问，不仅是主要的通信信道，而且控制平面功能，建立和维护移动的链接。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力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.