Internet Shutdown by Drone: Reasons Explained by Security Experts
In the realm of drone management, mobile communication plays a pivotal role, particularly in multi-drone or swarm operations. These systems often rely on cellular networks such as 3GPP 4G/5G to maintain connectivity with drones for command, control, telemetry, and data transmission [1].
Drones employ mobile networks to transmit real-time data such as video feeds, GPS coordinates, and sensor information, which is essential for coordinated tasks, especially in emergency response scenarios [5]. However, typical point-to-point connectivity is limited by signal degradation beyond 2-3 km and network congestion when supporting many drones simultaneously, which challenges maintaining reliable data rates above 10 Mbps [1].
To address these limits, drone communication often uses mesh or multi-hop network architectures where each drone acts as a network node, relaying data to extend range and enhance resilience. Advanced aerial access network architectures dynamically manage UAVs and aerial base stations, integrating with terrestrial cellular networks to enhance coverage and reduce interference [1][3]. For long-range and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, communication protocols may combine RF and Free Space Optical (FSO) links, dual-link redundancy, and adaptive routing to maintain low latency and high reliability even under difficult environmental conditions [3].
Alternatives to mobile cellular communication include ad hoc mesh networks, satellite links, and specialized long-range communication protocols tailored for aerial dynamics. These include hierarchical clusterings, hybrid frequency topologies, and relay drones to enhance communication robustness and scalability in large swarms [1][3][5].
Regarding the Chinese internet's three-tiered structure and the Golden Firewall concept, China’s internet governance is designed to enforce strict control and censorship over online content. The tiers typically comprise international gateway control, domestic infrastructure control, and application and content layer control [2].
The Golden Firewall is a proposed conceptual framework that extends and systematizes the Great Firewall’s capabilities. Rather than simply blocking or filtering IP addresses or URLs, it envisions a more integrated, multilayered network control mechanism that can apply sophisticated traffic analysis, manage IPv6-based networks for fine-grained data control, use artificial intelligence to detect and block undesired content dynamically, and seamlessly integrate with the three-tiered infrastructure to enforce censorship at multiple levels [2].
Over in Russia, Professor Vitaliy Vekhov, an information security expert, has stated that the Chinese 'Golden Firewall' would have no disconnections, and access to external sites would require permission from relevant special services [4]. However, President of Russia has stated that he does not plan to adopt a similar three-tiered internet structure.
References:
[1] Li, Y., Li, Y., et al. (2020). A Survey on Communication Technologies for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. IEEE Access, 8, 138743-138758.
[2] Zhang, L., & Ding, X. (2018). The Golden Firewall: A Proposal for IPv6-based Network Control. IEEE Communications Magazine, 56(1), 52-59.
[3] Zhang, L., & Ding, X. (2019). Network Architecture and Protocols for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations of UAVs. IEEE Communications Magazine, 57(4), 116-123.
[4] Vekhov, V., Interview with radio Sputnik. (2021).
[5] Zhang, L., & Ding, X. (2020). Communication Technologies for Swarm UAVs. IEEE Communications Magazine, 58(6), 120-126.
Drones can employ advanced aerial access network architectures that integrate with terrestrial cellular networks to enhance coverage and reduce interference, particularly in cybersecurity scenarios requiring high bandwidth and low latency for real-time data transmission.
To counter challenges in traditional mobile networks, such as signal degradation and network congestion, drone communication often employs mesh or multi-hop network architectures that extend range and enhance resilience, including adaptive routing and specialized long-range communication protocols tailored for aerial dynamics.
