Applied Optics

Secure key generation and distribution scheme based on two independent local polarization scramblers

Peng Huang, Qiuheng Song, Hekuo Peng, Jingwei Huang, Hongyan Wu, Qian Xiao, Bo Jia

Published Dec 4, 2020• 9 citations

Abstract

We propose a practical secure key generation and distribution (SKGD) scheme for actual application. Based on the experiment results of the polarization properties of the actual optical-fiber link, we propose a SKGD method by the active modulation of the state of polarization of the optical-fiber by two polarization scramblers placed at the local end of the legal users in the point-to-point communication system. Experiment results prove that the signals received by legal users share high correlation using 20 km standard single-mode fiber and 1 KHz polarization scrambling rate, and the bit generation rate can reach to 1216 bit/s with a bit error rate of ∼ 0.33 % . Security of the system is also analyzed in terms of the polarization properties of the system; the theoretical and experimental results indicate that the proposed scheme possesses high security due to the invisibility of the key signal and the technical difficulty of the recovery of the key sequence.

DOI: 10.1364/ao.413171

Related papers

Secure Key Generation and Distribution Using Polarization Dynamics in Fiber

Liuming Zhang, Adnan A. E. Hajomer, Xuelin Yang +1 more

Dynamic properties of optical signals in fiber channel provide a unique, random and reciprocal source for physical-layer secure key generation and distribution (SKGD). In this paper, an inherent physical-layer SKGD scheme is proposed and demonstrated, where the random source is originated from the dynamic fluctuation of the instant state of polarization (SOP) of optical signals in fiber. Due to the channel reciprocity, highly-correlated fluctuation of Stokes parameter of SOP is shared between the legal partners, where an error-free key generation rate (KGR) of 196-bit/s is successfully demonstrated over 25-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF). In addition, an active polarization scrambler is deployed in fiber to increase the KGR, where an error-free KGR of 200-kbit/s is achieved.

International Conference on Transparent Optical NetworksJul 1, 20204 citations

Accelerated key generation and distribution using polarization scrambling in optical fiber

Adnan A. E. Hajomer, Liuming Zhang, Xuelin Yang +1 more

The physical-layer properties of the classical optical fiber channel provide an inherent, unique, random and reciprocal source for secure key generation and distribution (SKGD). However, the key generation rate (KGR) is generally less than kbit/s in the reported SKGD schemes. In this paper, an accelerated SKGD scheme based on active polarization scrambling is proposed in the classical optical fiber channel. A combination of unique birefringence distribution of optical fiber channel and active scrambling of instant state of polarization (SOP) enables a fast and random SOP fluctuation to be securely shared between the legitimate users for accelerated SKGD. The proposed SKGD scheme is experimentally demonstrated over 24-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF), where a KGR of 200-kbit/s with an error-free operation is achieved after the post-processing procedure. Moreover, the possible fiber-tapping attacks are theoretically and experimentally analyzed for the security robustness of the proposed scheme. The results imply that a faster SKGD scheme could be achieved by incorporating an active polarization scrambling mechanism into the random properties of the fiber channel.

Optics ExpressNov 21, 201930 citations

2.7 Gb/s Secure Key Generation and Distribution Using Bidirectional Polarization Scrambler in Fiber

Liuming Zhang, Adnan A. E. Hajomer, Weisheng Hu +1 more

A physical-layer secure key generation and distribution (SKGD) scheme in classical fiber channel is proposed and demonstrated using a bidirectional wide-band polarization scrambler (WBPS), to alter rapidly and symmetrically the state of polarization (SOP) for the two counter-propagating optical signals in fiber. Due to the optical channel reciprocity, highly-consistent key bits can be extracted from the correlated SOP fluctuations, while the key secrecy is ensured by the fiber channel uniqueness. A final key generation rate (KGR) of 2.7 Gb/s is demonstrated over 10 km single mode fiber (SMF), where error-free and true randomness of the generated key are achieved after post-processing. The obtained KGR at Gb/s makes a further step towards the implementation of one-time-pad data encryption with perfect secrecy in fiber networks.

IEEE Photonics Technology LettersFeb 11, 202136 citations

Point to multi-point physical-layer key generation and distribution in passive optical networks

Liuming Zhang, Xinran Huang, Weisheng Hu +1 more

A point to multi-point physical-layer secure key generation and distribution (SKGD) scheme is proposed and demonstrated in passive optical networks (PONs), where the optical line terminal (OLT) broadcasts optical lights with fast fluctuating states of polarization (SOPs) to the optical network units (ONUs). The highly correlated key waveforms are shared between OLT and ONUs, and the high-level security of the SKGD scheme is guaranteed by the high sensitivity of SOP dynamics associated with the specific fiber links. As a proof of concept, a 3.9 Gb/s SKGD is achieved over 11 km single-mode fiber, where a Sagnac interferometer-based polarization scrambler is constructed as the high-speed random source. Moreover, the generated key sequences are verified to be error free and truly random. The proposed SKGD scheme offers a flexible solution for security enhancement in PONs, and is also compatible with the current PON infrastructure.

Optics LettersJun 8, 202121 citations

Error-free secure key generation and distribution using dynamic Stokes parameters

Liuming Zhang, Adnan A. E. Hajomer, Xuelin Yang +1 more

This paper proposes and experimentally demonstrates an error-free secure key generation and distribution (SKGD) scheme in classical optical fiber link by exploiting Stokes parameters (SPs) of the state of polarization (SOP). Due to the unique birefringence distribution of the optical fiber channel, random but high-correlated SPs are shared between Alice and Bob. The dynamic SPs are also affected by the time-varying environmental factors, providing the source of randomness for the secret key extraction. As a proof of concept, key generation rate (KGR) of 213-bits/s is successfully demonstrated over 25-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF). The error-free SKGD is realized in fiber channel using the information reconciliation (IR) technology, where Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) codes are applied. Due to the channel uniqueness and the high-sensitivity to the initial SOP of optical signals, high-level security is provided by the proposed scheme, which is analyzed and verified against the possible fiber-tapping attacks. Moreover, the proposed SKGD scheme offers additional benefits such as simple structure, low cost, and suitablity for long-haul transmission.

Optics ExpressSep 26, 201945 citations

High-speed secure key distribution using local polarization modulation driven by optical chaos in reciprocal fiber channel

Weidong Shao, Mengfan Cheng, Lei Deng +3 more

We propose a secure key distribution (SKD) based on local polarization modulation driven by optical chaos in a reciprocal fiber link. A robust error-free SKD with a key generation rate of 4.3 Gbit/s over transmission of 10-km standard single-mode fiber is experimentally demonstrated. A chaotic laser system shared by legitimate users serves as an external wideband entropy source. The polarization reciprocity of the fiber channel provides fundamental safety against eavesdropping. The robustness of SKD resulted from local chaotic polarization modulation is also theoretically analyzed and then verified by practical performance. The proposed scheme is an alternative SKD strategy with high speed and strong security.

Optics LettersNov 8, 202133 citations