Countermeasuring MITM Attacks in Solar-Powered PON-Based FiWi Access Networks

Solar power (SP) passive optical network (PON)-based fiber-wireless (FiWi) access systems are becoming increasingly popular as they provide coverage to rural and urban areas where no grid exists. Secure operation of such networks which includes solar- and/or battery-powered devices, is crucial for anticipating potential issues prolong the life operation. Since units (ONUs) may be powered by SP-charged batteries, energy awareness becomes an important issue, particularly when it comes reducing ONUs’ consumption allowing them operate in off-grid remote areas. With PON fixed part these networks, line terminal (OLT) informs ONUs through a message exchange mechanism traffic present, transition low-power-consumption sleep mode. However, man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks pose serious threat mechanisms, can eventually drain resulting their shutdown. Consequently, this paper introduces two novel mechanisms ONU consumption, namely wake-up time-out used mitigate effectiveness MITM that seek affect unit’s due battery drain. The formal verification results show goals were effectively achieved.