Security Challenges for Cloud Radio Access Networks
Victor Sucasas, Γεώργιος Μαντάς, Jonathan Rodrı́guez · 2016
Cloud radio access networks (C-RAN) are a promising technology that will allow the new generation of 5G mobile communication systems to address the industry's capacity growth needs and demands for higher mobility. At the same time, energy-efficient operation will be delivered together with operating and capital cost savings. However, despite the significant benefits of C-RAN technology in 5G mobile communication systems, it has to face multiple inherent security challenges associated with virtual systems and cloud computing technology, which may hinder its successful establishment in the market. Thus, it is critical to address these challenges to enable C-RAN technology to reach its full potential and foster the deployment of future 5G mobile communication systems. Therefore, this chapter presents representative examples of possible threats and attacks against the main components of the C-RAN architecture in order to shed light on the security challenges of C-RAN technology and provide a roadmap to ensure security in this emerging technology.