# Ethernet Passive Mutual Authentication Scheme on Quantum Networks

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a secure mutual authentication scheme for Ethernet passive optical networks using quantum-resistant cryptography.

## Contribution

A novel quantum-resistant mutual authentication scheme for EPONs based on ideal lattices and RLWE.

## Key findings

- The proposed scheme achieves robust security against man-in-the-middle and replay attacks.
- Simulation results show minimal delay and high registration success rates compared to traditional methods.
- Quantum technology integration enhances security and interception detection in future communication systems.

## Abstract

In the context of increasing demand for secure and efficient communication networks, addressing the issue of mutual authentication in ethernet passive optical networks (EPONs) has become both valuable and practically significant. This paper proposes a solution based on ideal lattices. The proposed scheme leverages the security of the ring learning with errors (RLWE) problem to establish a robust public-key cryptosystem. By involving ONUs, OLTs, and an SDN controller in the authentication process, it enables mutual authentication through a series of message exchanges facilitated by the SDN controller. Utilizing approximate smooth projection hash functions for secure key exchange and verification, the scheme ensures robust security performance against various attacks, including man-in-the-middle, impersonation, replay, and known key secrecy attacks. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed solution introduces minimal delay and maintains a high registration success rate compared to traditional authentication methods. Additionally, this paper explores the convergence of quantum network protocols with EPONs, highlighting their potential to achieve unprecedented levels of communication security. Integrating quantum technology with EPON networks, due to the unique security properties of quantum, can also better prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. Secure interception detection techniques based on fundamental quantum properties provide a fundamental security direction for future communication systems, aligning with the growing interest in quantum-resistant cryptographic protocols.