A Quantum Technique for Monitoring Physical Layer Security of Optical Communication

Optical fibre networks are advancing rapidly to meet growing traffic demands. Security issues, including attack management, have become increasingly important for optical communication networks owing to the vulnerabilities associated with tapping light from optical fibre link. Physical layer security often requires restricting access to the channel and periodic inspection of the link performance. In this thesis, we report how quantum communication techniques can be utilized to detect a physical layer attack. We present an efficient method for monitoring the physical layer security of a high data rate classical optical communication network using a modulated continuous variable quantum signal. We describe the theoretical and experimental underpinnings of this monitoring system, and the monitoring accuracy for different monitored parameters. We analyze its performance in both unamplified and amplified optical links. The technique represents a novel approach in applying quantum signal processing to practical optical communication networks and compares well with classical monitoring methods. We also discuss the challenges in its practical application, its difference with existing quantum key distribution, and its usage in future secure optical transport network planning.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Cambridge

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Gong, Yupeng

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• White, Ian
• Penty, Richard

• Optical communication
• Physical layer security
• Quantum communication
• Quantum key distribution

Licence

• https://apollo8-f-pro.lib.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/20ea7723-e9d9-4ad0-982f-701f72e2af5e/download
• https://www.rioxx.net/licenses/all-rights-reserved/

Language dc:language

eng

DOI dc:identifier.doi

https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.54859

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.repository.cam.ac.uk:1810/307767