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IEEE Future Networks World Forum (FNWF)

Eavesdropping Detection and Localization in WDM Optical System

Haokun Song, Rui Lin, Lena Wosinska, Paolo Monti, Yajie Li, Jie Zhang

Published Nov 13, 2023• 6 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Leveraging our initial work on detecting eavesdropping events in WDM optical systems [1], we propose a mechanism that utilizes bisecting k-means on dynamic optical performance monitoring (OPM) data to initialize the detection. We develop a method to detect and localize single and multiple eavesdropping events in WDM optical systems. Very small losses caused by eavesdropping can be detected using OPM data collected at the receiver, while the in-line OPM data enables localizing single and multiple eavesdropping events.

DOI
10.1109/fnwf58287.2023.10520648

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Leveraging our initial work on detecting eavesdropping events in WDM optical systems [1], we propose a mechanism that utilizes bisecting k-means on dynamic optical performance monitoring (OPM) data to initialize the detection. We develop a method to detect and localize single and multiple eavesdropping events in WDM optical systems. Very small losses caused by eavesdropping can be detected using OPM data collected at the receiver, while the in-line OPM data enables localizing single and multiple eavesdropping events.
Ensuring the secure and reliable operation of optical networks is crucial for various societal functions. However, optical network infrastructures are susceptible to unauthorized interception, posing a significant security risk at the physical layer. This necessitates the development of effective detection and localization methods of eavesdropping events. To address this challenge, we present a clustering-based method and a comprehensive eavesdropping diagnosis framework tailored for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems. The framework is designed to handle diverse eavesdropping scenarios, including dynamic detection, classification, and localization of eavesdropping events. To mitigate the data dependency issue while detecting and localizing eavesdropping events, we propose a clustering algorithm utilizing basic optical performance monitoring (OPM) data, thus eliminating the need for sophisticated measurement equipment. A coarse localization requires only the OPM data from the receiver, while a finer localization requires the power monitoring data at all nodes as the input. The feasibility of the proposed scheme is validated using simulation-generated data, in which single and multiple eavesdropping can be detected and localized with a 100% label matching rate. Single-point eavesdropping detection and localization are experimentally validated with data collected from a fiber transmission system comprising three spans of 40 km each. Coarse localization with a 99.79% label matching rate and fine localization with 100% accuracy is achieved. As expected, experimental data shows a less concentrated distribution than the simulated data, which leads to inferior clustering results.
Fiber eavesdropping severely endangers the confidentiality of data transmitted in optical networks. Therefore, it is necessary to explore how to detect and locate fiber eavesdropping in an effective approach. To leverage the advantages of the state of polarization (SOP) in detecting various abnormal events while addressing its challenges in acquiring the SOP of different fiber links, we propose a multi-channel joint SOP estimation scheme to estimate the SOP of different fiber spans. Based on the proposed scheme, we provide a comprehensive solution for fiber eavesdropping location and detection in optical communication systems. In this solution, the estimated SOP and optical performance monitoring (OPM) data are utilized for rapid fiber eavesdropping detection and coarse location at the span level. The effectiveness of the solution is validated by experiments. In the aspect of detection, we achieve the detection of the start or end of fiber eavesdropping, the overlapping of fiber eavesdropping and abnormal events, and other abnormal events. The overall accuracy is 99.77%. In the aspect of location, we can locate the fiber span that has been eavesdropped.
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is a photonic technology capable to transport over a single fiber more than a Tbit/s aggregate traffic. Currently, WDM is the only deployed method in transcontinental and transoceanic applications. In the optical network, each fiber link consists of segments, each several kilometers long, the connecting points of which are amenable to tapping. When a small amount of optical signal is extracted from a tap, when the signal is properly amplified it can be monitored by unauthorized personnel thus threatening communications and land-security. Since each WDM channel carries traffic from one customer, it is not difficult for the connoisseur to demultiplex a specific channel, isolate a specific payload and break the encrypted datagram. Therefore, in addition to data encryption, high-speed communications security should also rely on securing the optical links. In this paper, we present a WDM link security method that, even if fiber is tapped, constitutes channel monitoring and information decrypting by an eavesdropper or unauthorized personnel virtually impossible. In addition, we describe the circuit building blocks behind the method that makes eavesdropping impossible.
Because of the complexity of the observation of the eavesdropping process in optical fiber link, a new technique is suggested. A WDM is utilized as a part of optical fiber intrusion detection system. The implemented setup is capable to observe eavesdropping soon. The PC unit supports the system and it offers a suitable tool to observe or detect the leakage information. The minimum detectable attenuation value due to the intrusion is about (0.04 dB) while the optical power leakage is about 0.1 dB. Keywords: Intrusion, optical link, detection, eavesdropping.