5G NR PRACH Detection with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN): Overcoming Cell Interference Challenges

Abstract: In this paper, we present a novel approach to interference detection in 5G New Radio (5G-NR) networks using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). Interference in 5G networks challenges high-quality service due to dense user equipment deployment and increased wireless environment complexity. Our CNN-based model is designed to detect Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) sequences amidst various interference scenarios, leveraging the spatial and temporal characteristics of PRACH signals to enhance detection accuracy and robustness. Comprehensive datasets of simulated PRACH signals under controlled interference conditions were generated to train and validate the model. Experimental results show that our CNN-based approach outperforms traditional PRACH detection methods in accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score. This study demonstrates the potential of AI/ML techniques in advancing interference management in 5G networks, providing a foundation for future research and practical applications in optimizing network performance and reliability.