Saudi Arabia: KAUST Researchers Develop Method To Safeguard Aircraft From 5G Interference

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have introduced a mathematical method to shield aircraft from interference by mobile communication signals. Published in IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, the study outlines an "ideal exclusion zone" concept. This approach aims to protect vital aircraft systems while boosting fifth-generation (5G) network performance. The findings could guide aviation and telecom regulators in crafting policies for network deployment near air traffic routes.

The study marks the first application of stochastic geometry—a mathematical technique for modeling randomly placed network elements—to predict interactions between 5G signals and aircraft radio altimeters. Data transmission occurs as electromagnetic waves across specific frequency bandwidths. Wider frequency bandwidths enable faster data sharing. 5G operates on the broadest frequency bandwidth, facilitating rapid data transfer, but some bandwidths can interfere with other systems.

Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini, the lead researcher at KAUST, highlighted that 5G operates near the same bandwidth as aircraft radio altimeters, potentially causing signal interference. He emphasized the necessity of establishing exclusion zones to mitigate interference levels. Despite numerous flight cancellations worldwide due to 5G interference, Alouini's team proposed a solution involving exclusion zones where 5G towers operate only at lower frequency bands, using previously available spectrum instead of newer, higher-frequency bands.

Stochastic geometry was employed to analyze various exclusion zone shapes. Triangular areas around runways were found effective in preserving radio altimeter signals while minimizing 5G network performance loss. The team used this method to predict interference patterns and assess different exclusion zone designs' impact on safety and performance.

The study's results showed that 5G performance drops by 20% with just one tower inside the zone and up to 50% with three towers present. These findings have implications beyond Saudi Arabia, as many countries have already imposed restrictions on 5G networks near airports due to concerns over aircraft radio altimeters.

Supported by Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), this research is expected to influence global policies that allow coexistence between 5G networks and radio altimeters. The study provides valuable insights into balancing technological advancements with aviation safety requirements.

With inputs from SPA