Optical Frequency Hopping Techniques for Secure Fiber-Optic networks

Abstract

Optical networks’ physical layer is vulnerable to a variety of attacks, such as jamming, eavesdropping, and, finally, interception. Optical technology may have focused mainly on the more bandwidth race, but the issue of securing the physical layer needs the proper attention. In this paper we survey on recent progress in Optical Frequency Hopping (OFH) techniques used for securing fiber-optic networks and discuss up to date experimental demonstrations. Furthermore, we study on how this technique can effectively improve security for a variety of optical network technologies. Finally, we comment on OFH research challenges and address fields of possible future interest.