Ericsson Demos Drone Detection Using 5G Networks
Ericsson demonstrated a proof of concept for Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) that uses 5G mobile network infrastructure to detect and locate drones. The system integrates sensing of passive objects directly into the telecommunications network. This approach could enable wide-area airspace monitoring for UAV safety without requiring dedicated radar installations.
- The underlying technology, Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), is a candidate for 6G, but Ericsson's proof of concept was demonstrated on a 5G network. The standardization body 3GPP has begun defining use cases and requirements for ISAC in Release 19 of the 5G standard. - ISAC technology utilizes existing communication infrastructure to also perform sensing of objects that are not connected to the network, functioning similarly to a pulse-Doppler radar. This is achieved by analyzing the reflections of the communication signals off of objects. - In a separate example of a multistatic ISAC system for UAV detection, Ericsson demonstrated a median location accuracy of approximately 2 meters using the 3.5 GHz band with base stations 400 meters apart. Range resolution and accuracy are generally improved with the use of wider bandwidth. - Ericsson proposes using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) based waveforms for ISAC, which are already used in 5G, allowing for easier integration of sensing into the existing communication resource grid. - Potential frequency bands for ISAC applications include the 5G mid-band (Frequency Range 1, 0.41 GHz to 7.125 GHz) for wide-area coverage and millimeter wave (mmWave, Frequency Range 2, 24.25 GHz to 71.0 GHz) for high-resolution sensing in more localized areas. - In other 5G drone-related projects in the US, Ericsson has partnered with companies like UScellular, Qualcomm, Dronus, and Telit Cinterion. For instance, a proof of concept at Ericsson's USA 5G Smart Factory in Texas for inventory management used a drone with a Qualcomm processor and a Telit Cinterion data card operating on a mmWave private 5G network. - Beyond detecting unauthorized drones, the technology could also be used to track "friendly" drones and provide data to a UAV traffic management system to assist with navigation and collision avoidance. - The development of ISAC is seen as a key step towards 6G, which is expected to be commercially available around 2030. Standardization work for the first 6G standard is anticipated to be completed in 3GPP Release 21 in 2028.
