A Survey Paper on Security Issues in Satellite Communication Network infrastructure

Satellite communication is one of the most popular next generation communication technologies for global communication networks in parallel to terrestrial communication networks. In modern age military intelligence, navigation & positioning, weather forecasting, digital video Broadcasting (DVB), and broadband internet services, are the few demanding applications of Satellite communication. Although Satellite communication is cost effective solution for such long distance communication application, However security over the link is still a major concern in satellite communication. Due to limitations such as high bit error rate, power control, large distance between end nodes, high link delays because of large round trip times, and link availability, common security techniques incorporate a lot of issues in implementation of proper secure communication over the satellite links. In this survey paper, we explore the importance of security, trivial and currently deployed security tools, and the limitations to be considered while deploying such security techniques and protocols for securing satellite communication. Finally we reported some future research space in process to further optimize the security tools and measures for the proper security frame work over the satellite communication infrastructure. Keywords— Satellite Communication, Security, PEP, IPsec, VPNs, Encryption, SSL, AKE. INTRODUCTION With the advent of satellites, the communication has been revolutionized. It is no longer viewed as a simple bent pipe but as an important component of a large global communications networking system, requiring interoperability between satellite and terrestrial communication components and thus compatible protocols and standards. Satellite networks provide global reach and wide area coverage to remote, rural and inaccessible regions. A few of its common applications include weather prediction, telephony services, telemedicine, multimedia services, internet connectivity, navigation through GPS, imaging through remote sensing satellites for resource monitoring and many important military applications. It is becoming critically important that satellite networks should be able to offer convincing networking solutions in the rapidly changing field of communications dominated mobility, personalization and high capacity demands [1]. However, with the increasing utility and demand, the need for security increases in satellite communication. The users of this mode of communication along with all sorts of benefits in terms of Quality of Service (QoS) and reduced cost of services also demand confidentiality and integrity of their data. This is particularly important in the case of military applications. Eavesdropping and active intrusion are serious concerns especially for people who transfer sensitive data over satellite link and these actions are much easier in satellite networks because of the broadcast nature of satellites as compared terrestrial fixed or mobile networks. Moreover it is reported that, satellite channels experience long delays and high bit error rates, which may cause the loss of security synchronization. This demands a careful evaluation of encryption systems to prevent Quality of Service degradation because of security processing [2].It is also seen that in satellite communication Protection of the satellites and links is not only the key concern for the researchers and industry, but also to provide a sound integrity and confidentiality of the downlink Earth Stations and Information Systems of the command and control systems. In this survey paper, we provided an overview of the security and related issues of satellite communication for commercial and strategic defense communication. This survey paper focused the need for security, key issues in satellite communication security, the limitations in a satellite link, and currently deployed encryption techniques that may be applied to secure a satellite link. International Journal of Engineering Research and General Science Volume 2, Issue 6, October-November, 2014 ISSN 2091-2730 888 www.ijergs.org A brief overview of current security measures like PEP, IPsec, IPsec anti-replay, VPN based security techniques, Key exchange methods, and other such advance security measures. Then we also discussed the counter effects of such security measures over the communication system and in implementation issues in satellite networks. Finally we explored the future challenges and research frontiers in secure satellite communication that can handle the base issues still need to be addressed.