5G/6G | Homeland Security

The Internet of Things

As the number of connected devices continues to grow, estimated to reach 55.7 billion3 by 2025, and data transfer speeds increase the further development of the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes a real possibility. IoT, the deployment and interconnectivity of devices far beyond personal cellular devices, includes, but is certainly not limited to, household appliances, medical devices, cars, power and transportation infrastructure, and logistics management devices. This influx of devices is projected to generate 73.1 zettabytes (ZB) of data (the equivalent of 1.9 million iPhones) necessitating new technological advances in data transfer and storage. Edge computing,4 moving servers and data processing closer to connected devices, could help with data storage while still maintaining 5G speeds and low-latency. Edge computing processors connected to 5G networks could facilitate the implementation of AI/ML on a massive scale, leading to smarter devices that can learn similarly to humans. On a microscale, these applications can be used for autonomous vehicles to improve traffic flow and allow for autonomous taxi and bus services in cities. On a macroscale, manufacturing, logistics, and analytical industries will be able to improve efficiency as AI and ML find trends and paths unseen by humans, speeding up supply chains and product production. For local, state, and federal governments services can be metered and controlled to match demand more precisely at any given moment, increasing efficiency and improving availability, and possibly slowing the effects of global warming. Additionally, these algorithms could aid in predictive modeling for services (e.g., DMV wait times, trash collection, bus usage) and weather events (e.g., tornados, floods, fires). 

Security Threats

5G wireless technology represents a transformation of telecommunication networks. These developments introduce risks that threaten homeland security, economic security and other national and global interests that will continue to evolve through the transition to 6G. Undue influence from nation states in standards development can negatively affect the competitive balance within the information and communications technology market, potentially limiting the availability of trusted suppliers and leading to a situation where untrusted suppliers are the only market options. Additionally, 5G networks are an attractive target for criminals and foreign adversaries to exploit for valuable information and intelligence, and these challenges may become more acute with the deployment of 6G. Strong technology standards and cybersecurity practices will need to be incorporated within the design and development of ICT technology for DHS to leverage and secure the full scope of 5G and 6G use cases. Many of the opportunities that are enabled by 5G and 6G (e.g., drone teaming, enhanced communications, edge computing) will be utilized by U.S. adversaries as well. There are various security considerations to note within the current 5G framework that will also relate to the eventual deployment of 6G.

Evolving Future Scenarios

While the opportunities and threats detailed above address known implications of 5G for DHS, uncertain and evolving developments in the 5G ecosystem present varying future scenarios for DHS. Uncertainties regarding 5G’s future necessitate DHS consideration of how various scenarios will impact its mission over the next five to 10 years. Consideration of the likelihood of these scenarios and the implications of potential outcomes can inform DHS planning efforts for emerging circumstances in the 5G and 6G ecosystem.

Opportunities for DHS

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Figure 4: 5G connected drones have numerous applications for the homeland security enterprise.

As the launch of 5G promises radical new capabilities for consumers and industry, so too does it present opportunities to enhance homeland security enterprise operations and support the DHS mission space. 5G will enable an expansion in the number of connected devices and help to realize IoT on a massive scale. This capability has the potential to deploy autonomous systems to evaluate national disaster scenes and strengthen communications infrastructure and systems used by emergency responders. The proliferation of millions of wireless sensors could accelerate DHS missions already supported by remote sensing, detecting, and tracking devices. Relevant use cases include enhanced surveillance capabilities along U.S. borders, at government facilities, and in response to emergency events.

Notes

1. Toward 5G Advanced: overview of 3GPP releases 17 & 18. (2021, October 13). www.ericsson.com. https://www.ericsson.com/en/reports-and-papers/ericsson-technology-review/articles/5g-evolution-toward-5g-advanced

2. The Future of 5G | 5G Market Forecast | J.P. Morgan Research. (n.d.). www.jpmorgan.com. https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/research/future-of-5g-adoption

3. Strategy, M. I. and. (n.d.). Who Is “Really” Leading in Mobile 5G, Part 6: Policy, Regulation And Consortia. Forbes. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2019/10/12/who-is-really-leading-in-mobile-5g-part-6-policy-regulation-and-consortia/?sh=27c5a7f92755

4. What Is Edge Computing. (2020). Ibm.com. https://www.ibm.com/cloud/what-is-edge-computing