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DE-102024210906-A1 - Method for analyzing the signal behavior of a configurable intelligent surface in a communication network

DE102024210906A1DE 102024210906 A1DE102024210906 A1DE 102024210906A1DE-102024210906-A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for analyzing signal behavior of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (5) in a communication network (1), comprising: - Collecting (101), through a base station (10), data based on monitoring communication signals of the reconfigurable smart surface (5) and/or based on messages from devices in the communication network that interact with the reconfigurable smart surface (5), - Analyzing (102), by the base station (10), the collected data regarding fluctuations in the signal behavior of the reconfigurable intelligent surface (5), - Detecting (103) an abnormal signal behavior based on the analysis (102), - Checking (104) for the availability of a connection with the further analysis entity (20), - Initiating (105) a countermeasure by the base station (10) in the event of a missing or limited connection with the further analysis entity (20).

Inventors

  • Pedro Maia De Sant Ana
  • Sebastian Paul

Assignees

  • Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20241113

Claims (11)

  1. Method (100) for analyzing the signal behavior of a reconfigurable smart surface (5) in a communication network (1), comprising: - Collecting (101) data by a base station (10) of the communication network (1) based on monitoring communication signals of the reconfigurable smart surface (5) and/or based on messages from devices in the communication network (1) that interact with the reconfigurable smart surface (5), - Analyzing (102) the collected data by the base station (10) with respect to fluctuations in the signal behavior of the reconfigurable smart surface (5), - Detecting (103) anomalous signal behavior based on the analysis (102), - Checking (104) the availability of a connection with another analysis entity (20), - Initiating (105) a countermeasure by the base station (10) in the event of a missing or limited connection with the other analysis entity (20).
  2. Procedure (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the method (100) further comprises: - forwarding, by the base station (10), data relating to the detected abnormal signal behavior to the further analysis entity (20) in the case of a sufficient connection with the further analysis entity (20), - receiving, at the base station (10), a further countermeasure authorized by the further analysis entity (20) in response to a verification of the abnormal signal behavior of the reconfigurable intelligent interface (5) based on the forwarded data, and wherein the initiation (105) further comprises: - applying the further countermeasure authorized by the further analysis entity (20).
  3. Procedure (100) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the evaluation of the forwarded data at the further analysis entity (20) is based on the use of a digital twin of the communication network (1), wherein the digital twin represents a virtual replica of the communication network (1) for evaluating data in relation to the signal behavior of the reconfigurable intelligent surface (5) in order to verify an abnormal signal behavior as a possible attack.
  4. Procedure (100) according to one of the Claims 2 until 3 , characterized in that the evaluation further includes: - comparing the forwarded data, which includes the detected abnormal signal behavior, with known attack patterns to verify the detected abnormal signal behavior of the reconfigurable intelligent surface (5), - authorizing that the base station initiates at least one further countermeasure in the event of the verified detected abnormal signal behavior (105).
  5. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the initiation (105) further comprises at least one of the following: - temporarily disabling the reconfigurable intelligent interface (5), - updating a configuration of the communication network, - reconfiguring one or more settings of the reconfigurable intelligent interface (5).
  6. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further analysis entity (20) is configured as an edge server (20) of the communication network (1), wherein the edge server (20) and the base station (10) are communicatively connected.
  7. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises: - storing, at the base station (10), the collected data for further processing.
  8. Data processing device (10) comprising means for performing steps of the method (100) according to any of the preceding claims.
  9. Base station (10) of a wireless communication network (1) and/or further analysis nodes (20) of a wireless communication network (1), wherein the base station (10) and/or the further analysis node (20) are used to perform steps of the procedure (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 are configured.
  10. computer program (50) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (50) is executed from a base station (10) and/or another analysis node (20) Claim 8 executed will cause the base station (10) and/or the further analysis node (20) to perform steps of the procedure (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 to execute.
  11. Computer-readable storage medium (15) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (50) is executed from a base station (10) and/or another analysis node (20) Claim 8 is executed, causing the base station (10) and/or the further analysis node (20) to perform steps of the procedure (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 to execute.

Description

The invention relates to a method for analyzing the signal behavior of a reconfigurable intelligent surface. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program, a device, and a storage medium for this purpose. State of the art The state of the art reveals an increasing risk of potential cyberattacks specifically targeting reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS). RIS technology incorporates programmable interfaces that can dynamically modify the propagation of wireless signals, enabling significant advancements in network optimization and signal control. These interfaces are typically managed via a programmable controller, allowing network functions, such as base stations, to modify the RIS behavior to improve signal propagation characteristics. However, this programmability can also introduce a security risk into this technology if an attacker gains access to the RIS's programmable logic controller (RPC). Therefore, the attacker can manipulate the RIS to disrupt network operations. For example, this could lead to an increase in jamming attacks by using the RIS as an unwitting accomplice or by reprogramming the RIS to degrade signal quality. Such security risks can pose a significant threat to the integrity and efficiency of communication networks. It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a robust security measure to prevent such exploitative manipulations of RIS technology. Disclosure of the invention According to aspects of the invention, a method with the features of claim 1, a data processing device with the features of claim 8, a base station and/or a further analysis node according to claim 9, a computer program with the features of claim 10, and a computer-readable storage medium with the features of claim 11 are provided. Further features and details of the invention are disclosed in the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in the context of the method according to the invention also correspond to the computer program, the data processing device, and the storage medium according to the invention, and vice versa. According to one aspect of the invention, a method for analyzing the signal behavior of a configurable intelligent surface in a communication network comprises: - Collecting, through a base station of the communication network, data based on monitoring communication signals of the reconfigurable smart surface and/or based on messages from devices in the communication network that interact with the reconfigurable smart surface, - Analyzing, by the base station, the collected data regarding fluctuations in the signal behavior of the reconfigurable smart surface, - Detection, preferably by the base station, of abnormal signal behavior based on analysis, - Check, preferably by the base station, for the availability of a connection to another analysis entity, - Initiating a countermeasure by the base station in the event of a missing or limited connection with the further analysis entity. This approach has the advantage of eliminating specific vulnerabilities in RIS controllers by using signal behavior analysis for anomaly detection and leveraging a digital twin for enhanced analysis. This enables dynamic response strategies to minimize cyberattacks on RIS. In contrast to conventional solutions that primarily improve the security of the PHY layer with a broad focus, the present invention aims to enhance the security of RIS controllers based on the recognition of the programmable nature of RIS as a potential vector for sophisticated cyberattacks. The method according to the invention advantageously utilizes the base station's ability to actively and passively collect and analyze signals from end devices. This enables the detection of anomalies indicating unauthorized access to the RIS, a feature that is not typically prioritized in existing PHY layer security measures. By focusing on the nuanced changes in signal behavior caused by compromised RIS configurations, this method has the advantage of providing a more nuanced and effective detection mechanism. Furthermore, integrating a digital twin of the communication network or environment into the detection process offers the advantage that the virtual replica enables more sophisticated analysis, allowing for the detection of subtle anomalies and potential attacks with greater accuracy. This can be particularly relevant in complex environments where conventional methods struggle to detect malicious changes. Moreover, this approach not only allows for halting operations or triggering an alarm, but also advantageously enables the implementation of a range of countermeasures tailored to the specific threat. Therefore, a versatile and adaptive response is ensured, going far beyond the static defense mechanisms typical of existing PHY layer security solution