5G Communications in Nuclear: Potential Use Cases and Security Considerations

Nasim, Imtiaz; Mishra, Amitabh; Agarwal, Vivek; Bhuyan, Arupjyoti

doi:10.1109/access.2025.3544962

5G Communications in Nuclear: Potential Use Cases and Security Considerations

Journal Article · Tue Feb 25 04:00:00 EST 2025 · IEEE Access

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2025.3544962· OSTI ID:2558142

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Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

As fifth-generation (5G) communications continues to revolutionize the future of wireless technology, there is growing demand to utilize its benefits for critical infrastructures such as nuclear power plants (NPPs). In regard to achieving full automation and control in the operation of existing and future nuclear reactors, the unique capabilities of 5G can bring several potential advantages over other wireless technologies. However, a deep investigation is needed for the availability and security of 5G communications under various NPP operational scenarios. This article examines how 5G security capabilities can be architecturally deployed in nuclear applications so as to replace existing communication infrastructures. We discuss the current use of all wireless technologies in NPPs with their key features. Consequently, we investigated several NPP use cases in which 5G offers potential advantages but entails specific security considerations. The present article covers the characteristics of 5G communications, general challenges to its application in nuclear, and the security gaps that need to be addressed. We also highlight certain 5G security-by-design features that can help addressing current stringent NPP requirements. In addition, we discuss some future research direction that can facilitate the implementation of 5G in a nuclear facility. The findings presented herein can help foster 5G deployment in NPPs, thus enabling secured data transmission, cost savings, and increased operational efficiency with enhanced reliability.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC07-05ID14517

OSTI ID:: 2558142

Report Number(s):: INL/JOU--25-83054-Rev000

Journal Information:: IEEE Access, Journal Name: IEEE Access Journal Issue: 2025 Vol. 13; ISSN 2169-3536

Publisher:: IEEECopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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