Software-defined subcarrier wave quantum networking operated by OpenFlow protocol
V. V. Chistyakov, Oleg Sadov, Vasiliev, Artur B., V. I. Egorov, Mikhail Vladimirovich Kompaniets, Pyotr V. Fedchenkov, Oleg Lazo, А. Е. Шевель, Nikita V. Buldakov, Artur V. Gleim, Хоружников Сергей Эдуардович
Future practical implementation of secure quantum communication technology in a multiuser network environment would require automatic monitoring of the optical link condition and quantum system parameters, along with adjusting them in real time according to protocol restrictions. We demonstrate how software-defined networking (SDN) paradigm can be used for addressing this problem on the example of a subcarrier wave quantum communication system, which is promising for network applications. We propose a novel approach to dynamic quantum network routing and communication security based on SDN OpenFlow protocol. SDN-operated dynamic switching between different data encryption methods, quantum or classic, will enable to organize virtual encoding channels with an ability to set the required Quality of Service level for security/bandwidth. These developments will further increase the feasibility of quantum technologies from the network perspective and contribute to bringing them to industrial scale.
Future practical implementation of secure quantum communication technology in a multiuser network environment would require automatic monitoring of the optical link condition and quantum system parameters, along with adjusting them in real time according to protocol restrictions. We demonstrate how software-defined networking (SDN) paradigm can be used for addressing this problem on the example of a subcarrier wave quantum communication system, which is promising for network applications. We propose a novel approach to dynamic quantum network routing and communication security based on SDN OpenFlow protocol. SDN-operated dynamic switching between different data encryption methods, quantum or classic, will enable to organize virtual encoding channels with an ability to set the required Quality of Service level for security/bandwidth. These developments will further increase the feasibility of quantum technologies from the network perspective and contribute to bringing them to industrial scale.
Software-defined networking (SDN) has revolutionized the world of technology as networks have become more flexible, dynamic and programmable. The ability to conduct network slicing in 5G networks is one of the most crucial features of SDN implementation. Although network programming provides new security solutions of traditional networks, SDN and network slicing also have security issues, an important one being the weaknesses related to openflow channel between the data plane and controller as the network can be attacked via the openflow channel and exploit communications with the control plane. Our work proposes a solution to provide adequate security for openflow messages through using a hybrid key consisting of classical and quantum key distribution protocols to provide double security depending on the computational complexity and physical properties of quantum. To achieve this goal, the hybrid key used with transport layer security protocol to provide confidentiality, integrity and quantum authentication to secure openflow channel. We experimentally based on the SDN-testbed and network slicing to show the workflow of exchanging quantum and classical keys between the control plane and data plane and our results showed the effectiveness of the hybrid key to enhance the security of the transport layer security protocol. Thereby achieving adequate security for openflow channel against classical and quantum computer attacks.
Software-defined networking (SDN) has emerged as a promising paradigm for managing and controlling network resources efficiently. However, ensuring the security of data packets transmitted within an SDN environment remains a critical challenge. Traditional networking relies on static configurations, while SDN offers dynamic control and programmability, revolutionizing network management. In SDN, the application layer employs tools like OpenDaylight and Mininet for network management and testing. The control layer, managed by controllers such as Floodlight or ONOS, orchestrates traffic flow among switches. In the infrastructure layer, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with the BB84 protocol ensures secure communication. Together, these layers enable agile, programmable, and secure networking paradigms. This paper proposes integrating quantum key distribution (QKD) into SDN architectures to bolster packet-level security. By leveraging quantum entanglement and uncertainty, a secure communication channel between SDN controllers and switches is established, resilient to quantum attacks. Evaluation through simulations and real-world experiments demonstrates efficacy in mitigating security threats while minimizing overhead and latency, advancing SDN security IEEE 802.1X capabilities and leveraging quantum technologies for cybersecurity.
Quantum networks must classically exchange complex metadata between devices in order to carry out information for protocols such as teleportation, super-dense coding, and quantum key distribution. Demonstrating the integration of these new communication methods with existing network protocols, channels, and data forwarding mechanisms remains an open challenge. Software-defined networking (SDN) offers robust and flexible strategies for managing diverse network devices and uses. We adapt the principles of SDN to the deployment of quantum networks, which are composed from unique devices that operate according to the laws of quantum mechanics. We show how quantum metadata can be managed within a software-defined network using the OpenFlow protocol, and we describe how OpenFlow management of classical optical channels is compatible with emerging quantum communication protocols. We next give an example specification of the metadata needed to manage and control quantum physical layer (QPHY) behavior and we extend the OpenFlow interface to accommodate this quantum metadata. We conclude by discussing near-term experimental efforts that can realize SDN’s principles for quantum communication.
Software Defined Networking (SDN) is one of the key networking technologies with broad applications in data centers, cloud computing, and networking. SDN uses isolation of data planes and control planes to offer more efficient control of data communication. Security and reliability of communication between controllers that manage network control information and network switches that route traffic in the data plane, is essential in SDN architecture. The communication between these two layers uses OpenFlow protocol. We propose a quantum-safe solution for providing security and reliability for OpenFlow communication that exploits multiple paths between a switch and a controller. We analyze our solution regarding security and reliability and show its efficiency is comparable to an alternative solution that does not provide quantum-safe security.
Network programming provides new security solutions for traditional networks. However, software-defined networking still suffers from security issues. An important one is the weaknesses related to the OpenFlow channel between network devices and controller, as the network can be attacked via the OpenFlow channel and exploit communications with the control plane. Our work proposes a solution to provide adequate security for OpenFlow messages in software-defined networks by using a hybrid key consisting of classical and quantum key distribution protocols to provide double security depending on the quantum's computational complexity and physical properties. To achieve this goal, the hybrid key is used with transport layer security protocol to provide confidentiality, integrity and quantum authentication to secure software-defined network connections between the control and data planes. We experimentally based on the SDN-testbed to show the workflow of exchanging quantum and classical keys between the control plane and network devices in the data plane, and our results showed the effectiveness of the hybrid key to enhance the security of the transport layer security protocol. Thereby achieving adequate security for controller communications with the data plane against classical and quantum computer attacks by conducting security analysis and clarifying the efficiency of the proposal in terms of the average required time.
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is an emerging networking paradigm that decouples the control and data plane in order to enable programmable and flexible networks, optimizing its applications and advancing computer systems. It does so through its architecture, a key part of which is a centralized network management through open interfaces that revolutionizes the way in which networks are designed and makes them more agile and versatile to the evolving needs of modern and future applications services. This also means, however, that there is now a centralized point of attack that is a major vulnerability, threatening the security of the entire network. With such an advanced network paradigm, it requires a security system that will mitigate these risks and warrant long-term security. In attempts to allow secure communications within the network, this research proposes the implementation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), leveraging quantum mechanics to secure the network against any computational advancements in the future. QKD is a recent cryptographic system that includes a traditional-computational channel and a physical-quantum channel to generate and distribute keys between parties. It uses the principles of quantum mechanics including entanglement and superposition to ensure that the physical layer cannot be compromised computationally. QKD provides confidentiality and privacy of information and communication. Moreover, it is resistant to technological advancements. The implications of QKD significantly enhance SDN security through its protection against attacks, efficient key distribution, reliable network orchestration, and data integrity, creating an architecture that establishes stable communication channels that are resistant to cyber threats.