Need of physical layer security in LTE: Analysis of vulnerabilities in LTE physical layer

In Wireless/mobile communication, the requirement of higher throughput and data rates are increasing day-by-day. For meeting this requirement, Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology has become the prime choice. Communication using wireless technology has vulnerabilities. LTE wireless technology has vulnerabilities associated with the processing technique as well as well-defined positioning of channels and signals of physical layer. This drawback is of concern, as it can completely or partially block the communication, due to intentional jamming or unintentional interference. To understand the jamming vulnerabilities in LTE, it is essential to understand various physical channels, signals, frame structure, decoding protocols and various types of jamming. This paper provides jamming vulnerability analysis of LTE physical layer, physical channels and signals. Practical lab test setup for measuring jamming margins along with the result is provided in this paper. Various mitigation techniques have been provided in this paper to reduce jamming vulnerabilities.