A Sturdy Shield: Enhancing 6G Fronthaul with Quantum-Security

Abstract

Abstract: With the emergence of smart devices and the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G has been developed to meet the growing demand for transmission speeds and bandwidth. 5G overcomes the limitations of previous generations of technology, offering significant improvements in speed, latency, and stability. However, with the advancement of computational capabilities and the advent of quantum computers, security issues have become a pressing concern. Current technologies in 5G fronthaul rely on intrinsic security technologies, which are difficult to defend against quantum computer-based attacks. Consequently, this paper proposes a future mobile fronthaul architecture, such as 6G, which builds upon the 5G fronthaul network architecture while introducing quantum communication based on the BB84 protocol. This architecture enhances privacy protection and improves resistance to eavesdropping while maintaining the original performance. Additionally, the paper models the architecture to explore its noise resistance, using forward and backward spontaneous Raman scattering power as indicators, and demonstrates the system's feasibility under the influence of high-power 6G signals. The potential applications of this architecture are also examined. The results indicate that the quantum-secure 6G fronthaul network represents a significant breakthrough. It not only meets the stringent security requirements of modern communication but also enables a wide range of applications, paving the way for a safer and more interconnected digital future.