Securing 5G: A Way Forward in the U.S. and China Security Competition

by Daniel Gonzales, Julia Brackup, Spencer Pfeifer, Timothy M. Bonds

Overview

This report describes fifth-generation (5G) network security, the 5G supply chain, competition in 5G equipment and mobile device markets, where the United States has security advantages over China, and how to preserve those advantages in the 5G competition between the United States and China. The report provides recommendations for securing 5G networks and mobile devices of the United States, its allies, and foreign partners.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781977408556
Publisher:	RAND Corporation
Publication date:	11/15/2022
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	8.58(w) x 11.08(h) x 0.24(d)

Table of Contents

About This Report iii

Summary v

Figures and Tables xv

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Objectives 1

The White House's 5G National Security Strategy 2

A National Strategy to Secure 5G Implementation Plan 2

The Cybersecurity and infrastructure Security Agency 5G Strategy 2

Methods 3

Report Outline 3

Chapter 2 The Rise of Chinese Firms in Global Telecommunication Markets 5

The Structure of the Global Cellular Infrastructure Market 5

The Rise of Huawei and ZTE 7

China's Exploitation of 4G Telecommunication Networks 7

Chapter 3 Elements of the 5G Security Competition 11

5G Architecture 11

5G Technical Standards 12

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project 13

Standard-Essential Patents 15

5G Radio Access Network Technical Standards and Standard-Essential Patents 15

Competition in Developing Standards 21

Research, Development, and Patents 25

Chapter 4 Competition in the 5G Supply Chain 29

5G Supply Chain Elements 29

Leveraging U.S. Technology in the Security Competition 37

Summary 38

Chapter 5 Potential 5G Architecture Vulnerabilities 39

Core Network Vulnerabilities 40

Radio Access Network Vulnerability Scenarios 42

Mobile Phone Vulnerabilities 43

Vulnerabilities in Chipsets 45

Chapter 6 Options for a U.S. 5G Security Strategy 47

The Past U.S. Approach to 4G 48

The Key Elements of a 5G Strategy 48

Options for a U.S. Approach to 5G 50

Summary 54

Chapter 7 Findings and Recommendations 59

The 5G Security Competition 59

Recommendations 62

Abbreviations 67

References 69