Transforming Open Radio Access Networks with Multi-Layered Architecture: A Decentralized Approach

Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) is a recent development in identity and access management that is based on Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and offers individuals and organizations control over their data. In contrast, Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN) provide a platform for sharing radio infrastructure and data between users and mobile network operators (MNOs). Therefore, the integration of SSI with O-RAN provides an opportunity for decentralized, secure identity management that promotes a more transparent, efficient, and user-centric network environment. First, we propose the general architecture and perform a detailed threat model and security analysis, in which we identify the potential vulnerabilities and explain how our multi-layered security strategy mitigates these risks. The authentication process is also strengthened by the integration of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to ensure quantum-resistant security. We have carried out simulations to evaluate the efficiency of our system for credential operations, revealing that the average time for most credential operations is within a reasonable range (between 39- 750 ms), even when the request volume increases to 100,000. The proposed system efficiently maintains credential offering, presentation, connection creations, signing, and credential revocation times, which emphasizes its ability to effectively balance security and performance. In addition, our QKD simulations show several key management performance metrics. In the impact discussions, we address the potential integration of QKD into the authentication process to significantly increase security, with the system effectively managing key management and authentication times in a scalable manner. In addition, at the end of the paper, we discuss challenges, rationales, and technical aspects in O-RAN environments.