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SBFoton International Optics and Photonics Conference (SBFoton IOPC)

Security in Optical Communication Systems: Data Encryption and Beyond

Marcelo L. F. Abbade, Pedro Paulo Pareto, Ivan Eduardo Lage Rodrigues, Welerson Santos Souza, Luiz Henrique Bonani, Ivan Aldaya

Published May 31, 2021• 4 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Optical communication systems (OCSs) are prone to a myriad of security threats, such as fiber cutting, tapping, and jamming. However, OCSs also provide appropriate conditions for the exchange of encryption keys by quantum-based approaches and for the emergence of signal encryption. Both these strategies may lead to unprecedented levels of security. In this paper, we present a brief review on the security menaces and opportunities related to OCSs. Encryption-based solutions receive special attention.

DOI
10.1109/sbfotoniopc50774.2021.9461932

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Optical communication systems (OCSs) are prone to a myriad of security threats, such as fiber cutting, tapping, and jamming. However, OCSs also provide appropriate conditions for the exchange of encryption keys by quantum-based approaches and for the emergence of signal encryption. Both these strategies may lead to unprecedented levels of security. In this paper, we present a brief review on the security menaces and opportunities related to OCSs. Encryption-based solutions receive special attention.
Fiber Optics Communication is also one of the major branch which is widely used in current communication world. Due to several advantages of fiber optics communication over different conventional wired communication method it is having higher priority. Though fiber optic transmits large amount of data quickly over long distance, it is vulnerable to various security attacks. The fiber optic cable can be easily tapped. Fundamental improvements can be achieved for the entire network by increasing the optical network’s performance in terms of channel capacity, data rate, and processing speed. Furthermore, the security of the optical network has an impact on the security of the entire communication system. Optical network security can be effectively protected by fiber-based methods, including all optical signal processing, optical key distribution, optical steganography, and optical chaos-based communication. Fiber-based devices do not radiate an electromagnetic signature and are immune to electromagnetic interference. To provide end to end secure fiber optic communication, a special encryption algorithm based on Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is employed. The proposed encryption algorithm is simulated and the performance is analyzed. In this paper we are mostly dealing with the basics of fiber optics working principle, priority over other conventional communication system and role of fiber optics communication in computer networking and its vulnerabilities.
Optical fibers form the backbone of our modern communication systems with ubiquitous use from connecting data centers to long distance links. In many cases, these links are used to transport highly sensitive information. QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) can be an ideal solution to protect data with the highest level of security. QKD systems are designed in such a way as to reduce the resources required for their implementation. They should be easily integrated into already existing optical communication networks without special requirements for optical cables.
Quantum secure communication systems communicate quantum signals for quantum key distribution and classical signals with encrypted data and commands via a single optical fiber. In some systems, the single fiber carries classical data in both directions along with quantum communications. For example, quantum keys can be used to encrypt packets for bidirectional communication between two parties. In other systems, a single fiber is used for one way classical communications and quantum communications. The communication systems are secured using a security parameter based on the quantum and classical communications across the optical fiber.
The development of communication technology is currently progressing at an extremely rapid pace. One of the most widely applied technologies for data transmission is fiber optic communication, which uses light as the transmission medium. This technology enables data to be transmitted at very high speeds. However, in the process of data transmission, a security mechanism is required to protect information from unauthorized access. Attacks on fiber optic networks can lead to significant alterations in the data received compared to the data sent by the transmitter. This poses a serious risk, particularly when the transmitted data is confidential. Two methods that can be employed to secure fiber optic networks are Optical Steganography and Optical Encryption. The working principle of Optical Steganography involves hiding signals in public channels, while Optical Encryption functions by encrypting the transmitted signals. Both methods can be implemented using OptiSystem software. According to the results of this study, Optical Encryption demonstrates a higher level of reliability compared to Optical Steganography. Optical Encryption achieved a Q-Factor value of 14.65 and a BER of 6.55×10−49. In terms of Q-Factor, Optical Encryption is shown to be 16.3% more effective than Optical Steganography and 90.4% more efficient compared to designs without a security system.
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.
Optical communications have enabled high-speed data transmission over long distances. However, data are transmitted plain unless are encrypted on higher layers, e.g., IP and TCP, precisely because of: i) the high data rates; and ii) the need of secure key exchange between the end-points of the optical connection. Meanwhile, quantum enabled cryptography has emerged as a promising solution for securing communications by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics which provides unlimited and unconditional security. Although Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols can deliver quantum keys to distant end-points, there are scenarios where one of them is not within the security perimeter of the quantum network. This demonstration focuses on the intersection of optical communication and quantum security, highlighting the synergies between these two domains and their potential to ensure secure communication networks. We explore the integration of optical communication with quantum technologies and showcase how optical encryption using quantum keys retrieved from QKD and Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) systems is performed. Retrieved keys are expanded to the required rate and then used to encrypt the input data at line speed.