Optical Fiber Data Security via Counter-Propagating Interference Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing data transmission in optical communication lines fail to prevent interception of data signals without cutting the optical fiber, as they primarily focus on detecting fiber damage rather than addressing non-intrusive interception methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that convey a first optical signal and a second interference signal in opposite directions within the same optical fiber at the same wavelength, creating a combined signal that hampers unauthorized extraction, with the interference signal being adaptable to match or disrupt the information signal's parameters, and optionally applying polarization perturbations to complicate separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fiber integrity monitoring is implemented using existing methods, then fiber damage detection capability is improved, but data interception prevention capability remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polarization controller as an intermediary device that manipulates the polarization state of the optical signal. This mediator creates polarization perturbations that make intercepted signals illegible while allowing legitimate reception through compensating controllers, thus addressing both detection and prevention needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization parameter of the optical signal dynamically using polarization controllers. By continuously varying polarization states and introducing perturbations, the system ensures that any static interception attempt captures only scrambled, illegible data while legitimate receivers can track and compensate for these changes
2Object-affected harmful factors
If polarization controllers are used to prevent interception, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic polarization tracking and compensation mechanisms. The system autonomously monitors polarization state changes and adjusts controllers to maintain signal integrity, eliminating the need for manual intervention while managing the complexity of polarization control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where polarization state is continuously monitored and used to adjust controller settings. This closed-loop approach automatically compensates for polarization drift and perturbations, managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than oversimplified hardware
3Object-affected harmful factors
If polarization perturbations are applied to optical signals, then non-intrusive interception difficulty is improved, but signal separation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polarization controllers as intermediary devices that apply controlled perturbations to signals. These mediators create polarization variations that scramble intercepted signals while legitimate receivers use compensating controllers to reverse the effect, thus difficulting interception without making signal separation impossible for authorized users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies inversion by using opposite polarization control at the receiving end compared to the transmitting end. While the transmitter introduces polarization perturbations to prevent interception, the legitimate receiver applies compensating polarization adjustments to restore the original signal, thus protecting against interception while maintaining signal separability for authorized users
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
Substantially reduces the chances of non-intrusive interception by making it difficult for interceptors to distinguish and separate the information signal from the combined signal, effectively preventing data interception in the section where the combined signal is created.
Implementation Method 1
conveying a first optical signal carrying said data via the first optical fiber from the first network element towards the second network element at a predetermined optical wavelength
Implementation Method 2
conveying a second optical signal via the first optical fiber in the opposite direction at the same predetermined optical wavelength thereby creating within the first optical fiber a combined optical signal at said wavelength
Implementation Method 3
applying a polarization perturbation to at least one of two signals: the first optical signal and the second optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for securing data transmission via an optical communication line comprising an optical fiber extending between a first network element and a second network element; the technique comprises conveying a first optical signal carrying data via the optical fiber from the first network element towards the second network element at a predetermined optical wavelength, and conveying a second optical signal at the same predetermined optical wavelength via the same fiber in the opposite direction to create within the optical fiber a combined optical signal such that combination of the first and second optical signals is adapted to hamper an unauthorized non-intrusive extraction of the first optical signal from the combined optical signal.