Mapping-varied modulation with labeling optimization for secure transmission in mode-division-multiplexed fiber-optic systems

To improve the physical-layer security of mode-division multiplexing (MDM) systems, a simple security scheme named mapping-varied modulation (MVM) is proposed in this paper by combining cryptographic and information-theoretic security. Specifically, on top of the information-theoretic security provided by the less-conditioned wiretap channel due to the larger mode-dependent loss induced by fiber-bend tapping, the proposed MVM security method varies the mapping rules of the adopted constellations for the subchannels (one subchannel corresponds to one mode) by using the inherently time-varying random channel state information (CSI) of the MDM fiber, under the assumption that an eavesdropper does not know the exact instantaneous CSI of the legitimate link. To maximize the difference among the binary labels of the constellation points in the same position for each subchannel, a labeling optimization method is proposed as well. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MVM method via bit-error ratio performance and secrecy rate, showing a potential way to improve the security of the MDM link for high-speed data transmission.