HAP Laser and Radio Links Secured by Physical-Layer Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to secure communication links from high-altitude platforms (HAPs) against eavesdropping, particularly in scenarios where quantum computers could potentially decode encrypted data.
Innovation Solution
Implementing noise components on the physical layer of both laser and radio communication between devices, and using post-quantum cryptographic encryption algorithms to secure communication links, with laser communication devices having large transmitting and receiving apertures and radio communication devices employing focused antenna beams to complicate eavesdropping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If noise components are inserted on the physical layer to prevent eavesdropping, then security against eavesdropping is improved, but signal quality for legitimate reception deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the noise insertion selective and localized. Different noise levels are applied to different spatial regions: strong noise is inserted in directions where eavesdroppers are likely to be located, while the legitimate receiver direction maintains higher signal quality. This is achieved through directional antenna beams and spatially selective noise injection, allowing the system to protect specific communication links without uniformly degrading all signal qualities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts noise insertion based on real-time conditions. The noise components are not static but are adaptively modified according to the legitimate receiver's position, channel conditions, and detected eavesdropping attempts. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain optimal signal quality for legitimate communication while continuously updating noise patterns to counter potential eavesdroppers.
2Reliability
If directional connections are used to improve security, then eavesdropping difficulty is increased, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication space into distinct directional beams, each serving a specific legitimate receiver. Instead of using omnidirectional transmission, the system divides the coverage area into multiple sectorized beams with focused energy. This segmentation naturally provides directional security as each beam is confined to a specific spatial region, making eavesdropping from outside the beam direction difficult. The segmentation approach simplifies the overall system architecture compared to complex adaptive beamforming while still achieving directional protection.
3Reliability
If large transmitting apertures are used for laser communication, then eavesdropping is complicated, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using moderate aperture sizes combined with selective noise insertion rather than requiring extremely large apertures for all communication scenarios. The noise components are inserted strategically to provide the necessary security margin, allowing the system to achieve adequate eavesdropping protection with smaller, more practical aperture sizes. This partial approach balances the excessive requirement of large apertures with the actual security needs of each communication link.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures secure communication links that are resistant to eavesdropping, including by quantum computers, with low latency and high security through directional communication and noise insertion.
Implementation Method 1
a laser communication device for communication via a laser link with a first additional transceiver
Implementation Method 2
a radio communication device for communication via a radio link with a second additional transceiver
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to devices, methods, and computer programs for a ground station and a high-altitude platform for securing a communication link, a high-altitude platform, an aircraft, and a ground station. The device (10) for a high-altitude platform (100), High-Altitude Platform HAP, and for securing communication links between the high-altitude platform and other high-altitude platforms in a communication system (400) comprises a laser communication device (12) for communication via a laser link with a first further high-altitude platform (200) and a laser safety module (14) configured to secure the laser link by using additionally inserted first noise components on a physical layer of the laser link.The device (10) further comprises a radio communication device (16) for communication via a radio link with a second additional transmitter-receiver (300) and a radio security module (18) which is configured to secure the radio link by using additionally inserted second noise components on a physical layer of the radio link.