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International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks

A novel conceptual model of secure photonic networks

Ken‐ichi Kitayama, Masahide Sasaki, Soichiro Araki, Makoto Tsubokawa, Akihisa Tomita, Kyo Inoue, Katsuyoshi Harasawa, Yuki Nagasako, Atsushi Takada

Published Jun 1, 2011• 2 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We address emerging threats to the security of photonic networks as these networks become heterogeneous being opened to the upper layers, multi-operator, and end users. We review the potential threats, mainly loss of the confidentiality of user data transmitted through optical fibres and disturbances of network control, both of which could seriously damage the entire network. We then propose a novel conceptual model of a secure photonic network by introducing a quantum key distribution (QKD) network to its legacy structure. Secure keys generated by the QKD network are managed by key management agents (KMAs) and used to encrypt not only user data but also control signals. The KMAs cooperate with the Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) controller for secure path provisioning and drive photonic and modern crypto engines in appropriate combinations. Finally, we present a roadmap of a deployment scenario, starting from niche applications such as mission critical and business applications.

DOI
10.1109/icton.2011.5970925

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We address emerging threats to the security of photonic networks as these networks become heterogeneous being opened to the upper layers, multi-operator, and end users. We review the potential threats, mainly loss of the confidentiality of user data transmitted through optical fibres and disturbances of network control, both of which could seriously damage the entire network. We then propose a novel conceptual model of a secure photonic network by introducing a quantum key distribution (QKD) network to its legacy structure. Secure keys generated by the QKD network are managed by key management agents (KMAs) and used to encrypt not only user data but also control signals. The KMAs cooperate with the Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) controller for secure path provisioning and drive photonic and modern crypto engines in appropriate combinations. Finally, we present a roadmap of a deployment scenario, starting from niche applications such as mission critical and business applications.
We address emerging threats to the security of photonic networks as these networks become heterogeneous being opened to the upper layers, other operators, and end users. We review the potential threats, mainly loss of the confidentiality of user data transmitted through optical fibers and disturbances of network control, both of which could seriously damage the entire network. We then propose a novel conceptual model of a secure photonic network by introducing a quantum key distribution (QKD) network to its legacy structure. Secure keys generated by the QKD network are managed by key management agents (KMAs) and used to encrypt not only user data but also control signals. The KMAs cooperate with the generalized multiprotocol label-switching controller for secure path provisioning and drive photonic and modern crypto engines in appropriate combinations. Finally, we present a roadmap of a deployment scenario, starting from niche applications such as mission critical and business applications and the next. Digital cinema distribution through a photonic network is presented as an example of a niche application.
The burgeoning Internet and Internet-of-Things (IoT) sectors necessitate robust cryptographic methods to ensure data security, integrity, and authentication over unsecured networks. Traditional public key cryptography, reliant on computationally hard problems, faces threats from quantum computing advancements. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) presents a solution through the generation of unconditionally secure cryptographic keys using quantum mechanics. This paper explores the enhancement of QKD protocols to establish secure end-to-end communication in photonic networks. The proposed method involves a QKD system that generates two types of weak quantum signals: one with randomly varied intensity, polarization, or phase, and another with random frequency fluctuations. These signals are used to establish a shared key between a transmitter (Alice) and multiple receivers (Bobs) by measuring the quantum states. This dual signal approach enhances protection against Photon Number Splitting attacks and improves key length. Key Management Agents (KMAs) securely handle QKD-generated keys for data encryption before transmission, ensuring only intended recipients can decrypt the messages. The system leverages optical fiber or free-space optical links to transmit weak quantum signals and synchronization signals, facilitating key distribution even under existing network constraints. The proposed architecture allows for the secure exchange of cryptographic keys between Alice and multiple Bobs, ensuring private and authenticated communication over public channels. The approach mitigates potential eavesdropping by enabling the detection of any interception attempts through Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) estimation. This study underscores the promise of QKD as a foundational element of future communication systems, providing uncrackable quantum keys and paving the way for secure photonic networks. Incremental advancements in quantum devices, networking, and infrastructure are essential to fully realize QKD's potential for robust cryptographic security.
Secure networks composed of optical networks and quantum key distribution (QKD) are considered in this paper. A network layer structure is defined to focus on issues important with respect to the QKD network layer that controls QKD links and supplies a secure key for message transmission. A multiple-user QKD network layer can be constructed with timing synchronization, secure key sharing between indirectly connected nodes with switched QKD systems and key relays, and key management to control the volume of key generation and supply in response to the demand from optical network nodes.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) offers unconditional information security by allowing two distant users to establish a common encryption key resilient to hacking. Resultingly, QKD networks interconnecting critical infrastructure and enabling the secure exchange of classified information, can provide a solution to the increasing number of successful cyberattacks. To efficiently deploy quantum networks, the technology must be integrated over existing communication infrastructure, such as optical fibre links. Yet, QKD poses stringent requirements on the conditions of the network over which it is deployed. This work demonstrates the first quantum communication network in Cyprus via the deployment of a multi-node quantum network, exploiting existing commercial underground optical fibre. The network employs bidirectional occupation of fibres and wavelength multiplexing in a ring architecture to achieve, with minimal use of dark fibres, high-rate QKD. Results obtained reveal consistent key generation rates across all nodes, confirming reliable operation in a real-world environment. This deployment highlights the feasibility of leveraging existing telecom infrastructure for quantum-secured communication, marking a significant step toward scalable and cost-effective quantum networks suited for critical applications.
Modern optical networking techniques have the potential to greatly extend the applicability of quantum communications by moving beyond simple point-to-point optical links and by leveraging existing fibre infrastructures. We experimentally demonstrate many of the fundamental capabilities that are required. These include optical-layer multiplexing, switching and routing of quantum signals; quantum key distribution (QKD) in a dynamically reconfigured optical network; and coexistence of quantum signals with strong conventional telecom traffic on the same fibre. We successfully operate QKD at 1310 nm over a fibre shared with four optically amplified data channels near 1550 nm. We identify the dominant impairment as spontaneous anti-Stokes Raman scattering of the strong signals, quantify its impact, and measure and model its propagation through fibre. We describe a quantum networking architecture which can provide the flexibility and scalability likely to be critical for supporting widespread deployment of quantum applications.