OpticalTrust: A Sensor-to-Blockchain Framework Using Free-Space Optical Communication.

Area of Science:

• Optical Communications
• Network Security
• Distributed Systems

Background:

• The demand for high-speed, secure data transmission drives innovation in integrated communication systems.
• Free-Space Optics (FSOs) offers a promising alternative for optical communications, facing limitations in conventional fiber optics.
• Existing systems require enhanced security, reliability, and environmental adaptability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an integrated framework combining FSOs, blockchain, and sensor networks.
• To address challenges in data transmission speed, security, and environmental adaptation.
• To analyze FSOs performance and explore sensor network integration.

Main Methods:

• FSOs system performance analyzed using Quality (Q) Factor and Bit Error Rate (BER).
• Comparison of FSOs systems with and without Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) at various bit rates (8-20 Gbps) and distances (5-25 km).
• Integration of blockchain architecture with smart contracts and InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) for secure data validation and storage.

Main Results:

• Performance metrics (Q-Factor, BER) evaluated for FSOs systems under different conditions.
• Blockchain architecture demonstrated for secure storage and validation of FSOs simulation results.
• Theoretical integration models for distributed sensor arrays with FSOs systems explored.

Conclusions:

• The integrated framework enhances data transmission security and reliability for FSOs.
• Blockchain technology provides a robust solution for validating and securing FSOs performance data.
• Sensor network integration offers potential for improved environmental adaptation and system monitoring in FSOs.