Chaotic key generation and application in OFDM-PON using QAM constellation points

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a chaotic key generation method using QAM constellation points in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing passive optical network (OFDM-PON) to change security key dynamically. In the proposed method, key generation rules are agreed in advance between the transmitter and receiver, and the generated key is related to the characteristics of the latest uplink user data. Relevant parameters are used instead of the security key for the transmission, and users can dynamically change the relevant parameters according to their requirements to achieve the change of security key. It is proved that the method can enhance the difficulty for illegal attackers to intercept user data and the ability to resist exhaustive attacks, which has no significant impacts on the computational complexity and transmission performance. By modifying the key generation rules, the relationship between the obtained key space and the needed key storage space at the transmitter and receiver can be weighed.