SUNET: Framework, Security, and Privacy

SUNet (Satellite-assisted Unmanned-system Network) integrates satellite communication technology, unmanned equipment systems, and ground support facilities. Compared to traditional network system, SUNet has the advantages of flexible deployment and wide communication range. SUNet with cloud services (SUNET) breaks the limitation of satellites processing large-scale data, and integrates a large scope of computing and storage resources in a system. However, SUNET also poses more serious security risks than traditional networks for two reasons: i) the unique network framework, such as highly dynamic topology, unfixed network access points and decentralized control, of SUNET increases security risks, and ii) the rising probability of existing neighbor nodes with quantum computing. This paper firstly introduces the term SUNET from definition and compares SUNET with several related network frameworks. Then we anaylze the security risks, such as untrust between nodes, unauthorized access and quantum computing attack, faced by SUNET. Meanwhile, we illustrate the security requirements and the corresponding solutions, such as authentication, fine-grained authorization and quantum security, in SUNET. Finally, we discuss the security countermeasures and point out the potential future research directions.