Zero trust-based authentication for Inter-Satellite Links in NextGen Low Earth Orbit networks

IF 4.4 3区计算机科学 Q1 COMPUTER SCIENCE, INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Ad Hoc Networks Pub Date : 2025-03-26 DOI:10.1016/j.adhoc.2025.103817

Kerry Anne Farrea , Zubair Baig , Robin Doss , Dongxi Liu

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Next Generation (NextGen) Low Earth Orbit satellite networks are rapidly expanding to support global communication and 6G technology transition. This growth exposes networks to new security challenges due to wide coverage in hostile areas and increased access points in space and on Earth. Traditional static authentication methods prove inadequate in this dynamic environment. We address these challenges by developing a Zero Trust Authentication Protocol for Inter-Satellite Link (ISL) communication. Our protocol implements a novel verification process that leverages orbital signals to authenticate ISLs. This approach ensures secure data access and transmission exclusively among verified satellites, mitigating threats from eavesdropping, signal spoofing, impersonation, and replay attacks. To optimize security and resource efficiency, we integrate Hyperelliptic Curve Cryptography (HECC) into our protocol. We validate our approach through MATLAB and Systems Tool Kit (STK) simulations, complemented by BAN Logic and Scyther analyses. Our findings demonstrate that our protocol enhances the security framework of NextGen LEO networks without compromising their performance or operational capabilities.

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下一代（NextGen）低地球轨道卫星网络正在迅速扩展，以支持全球通信和 6G 技术过渡。这种增长使网络面临新的安全挑战，因为网络广泛覆盖敌对地区，而且太空和地球上的接入点不断增加。传统的静态身份验证方法在这种动态环境中显得力不从心。为了应对这些挑战，我们为卫星间链路（ISL）通信开发了零信任验证协议。我们的协议实施了一个新颖的验证过程，利用轨道信号对 ISL 进行验证。这种方法可确保仅在经过验证的卫星之间进行安全的数据访问和传输，减轻来自窃听、信号欺骗、假冒和重放攻击的威胁。为了优化安全性和资源效率，我们在协议中集成了超椭圆曲线加密技术（HECC）。我们通过 MATLAB 和系统工具包 (STK) 仿真验证了我们的方法，并辅以 BAN Logic 和 Scyther 分析。我们的研究结果表明，我们的协议增强了下一代低地轨道网络的安全框架，而不会影响其性能或运行能力。

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来源期刊

Ad Hoc Networks 工程技术-电信学

CiteScore

10.20

自引率

4.20%

发文量

131

审稿时长

4.8 months

期刊介绍： The Ad Hoc Networks is an international and archival journal providing a publication vehicle for complete coverage of all topics of interest to those involved in ad hoc and sensor networking areas. The Ad Hoc Networks considers original, high quality and unpublished contributions addressing all aspects of ad hoc and sensor networks. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Mobile and Wireless Ad Hoc Networks Sensor Networks Wireless Local and Personal Area Networks Home Networks Ad Hoc Networks of Autonomous Intelligent Systems Novel Architectures for Ad Hoc and Sensor Networks Self-organizing Network Architectures and Protocols Transport Layer Protocols Routing protocols (unicast, multicast, geocast, etc.) Media Access Control Techniques Error Control Schemes Power-Aware, Low-Power and Energy-Efficient Designs Synchronization and Scheduling Issues Mobility Management Mobility-Tolerant Communication Protocols Location Tracking and Location-based Services Resource and Information Management Security and Fault-Tolerance Issues Hardware and Software Platforms, Systems, and Testbeds Experimental and Prototype Results Quality-of-Service Issues Cross-Layer Interactions Scalability Issues Performance Analysis and Simulation of Protocols.