Decentralized Telecommunications Networks and the Role of CloudSec

1. Introduction to Decentralized Telecommunications Networks

CloudSec, a telecom initiative from OpSec, captures the deeper essence of the technical security problems of upcoming decentralized telecommunications networks with the goal of further improving operations and systems within the network. CloudSec provides a wide range of diversity of interests in the decentralized telecommunications network that could be leveraged to enable heterogeneity as a fundamental feature that supports privacy and reliability for all.

Telecommunications networks are being reshaped with the advent of recent trends in IT and telecom industries, including cloud computing, control at the edge, broadband wireless links, and heightened concerns on privacy. We refer to those new trends collectively as decentralized telecommunications networks. These new networks consist of a large number of moderately capable devices, such as end-user mobile devices, wireless base stations, and edge multi-access/co-location points. They are managed by a diverse and often competing set of economic interests and are interconnected by a variety of links owned, operated, and maintained by governments, non-profit organizations, and commercial entities. Ultimately, these networks enable a wide spectrum of communication services for both human and machine interaction. They present a rich set of challenges in designing secure, private, reliable, available, and affordable communication systems.

1.1. Definition and Key Concepts

Future telecom networks (5G, 6G, and beyond) will be deeply transformed with respect to current architectures, widening business opportunities and chances to create value. The trend is to virtualize hardware functions (NFV) and to move away from highly centralized and heavy network installations towards distributed cloud edge architectures in which, thanks to new slicing techniques, instances of virtual objects optimized for specific sub-applications and services are offered. These new network configurations create a wide and complex attack surface, thus leading to increased cyber threats. Replacing a consolidated security level (guaranteed by physical cages and access control rules) with virtualized versions of these protections is not straightforward. Indeed, this will lead to new dedicated attack vectors and thus to an increased effort by telcos to secure their NFV and edge installations and the communication services set upon them.

In this article, we will focus on the role of CloudSec in supporting decentralized telecommunications networks, both in terms of business (offering cybersecurity to telcos) and service (backing cybersecurity for corporates). After an overview of decentralized telecommunications networks, its ongoing main transformations, and future trends, we deeply introduce the aforementioned technologies, with more emphasis on CloudSec.

2. Mesh Networks and Community-Based ISPs

2.1. Overview of Mesh Networks

What Is a Mesh Network?

A mesh network is a network where devices (or nodes) are connected to each other, allowing data to be routed efficiently between devices and clients.

This setup provides a consistent connection throughout a physical space and increases the resilience of the network in case of a node or connection failure.

Types Of Mesh Networks

In a full mesh network, each node is directly connected to every other node. In a partial mesh network, only some nodes are directly connected to each other, and some nodes must go through another node to reach a third node.

How Mesh Networks Work

Mesh networks use routing or flooding techniques to send messages. In routing, a message hops from node to node to reach its destination. In flooding, data is sent from one node to the rest of the network, and each node possesses a subset of the data.

Advantages Of Mesh Networks

Mesh networks have several advantages, including direct communication between nodes, lower power requirements, better security, and simpler topology.

They are suitable for larger spaces and can be used in various applications, such as home monitoring, industrial monitoring, and public service communication.

Disadvantages Of Mesh Networks

However, mesh networks also have some drawbacks, including higher cost, scalability issues, complexity, latency, and power consumption.

Comparison With Traditional Wi-Fi

The difference between mesh networks and traditional Wi-Fi is that mesh networks are decentralized as they allow devices to link together to route data between clients, while traditional Wi-Fi depends on a single access point.

2.2. Community-Based ISPs

The emergence of the CBNM models provides an insight into how far Community Based Networks can go, if they desire to facilitate a network. What is important is having a group of enthusiasts who can lead the rest. Community Based Networks are grassroot networks, hence they understand the socio-economic potentials of the people. In this way they can facilitate a telecoms network with a business model appropriate to them.

Community Based Networks possess the ability to extend ICTs networks in underserved areas. In this manner, certain countries can attain their Universal Access and Service objectives. Hence, if 5G development and adoption is to extend beyond urban areas, then understanding why Community Based Networks develop infrastructure matters. This will aid telecom standard developers to consider the affordability or possible fabrication of the equipment, by which Community Based Networks will need. It will also require national governments to officially identify Community Base Networks as valid carriers. In this manner developing policies that will protect as well as facilitate the development of such networks, especially in areas where the market cannot cater for. In the case of 5G, this is the time for ex-Ante regulations that will aid these groups. Issues regarding spectrum acquisition, cost of access and deployment equipment, tax exemption on their status, cost of access to existing Fiber optic network, should be considered by national governments.

The reason 5G Wi-Fi is mentioned in this paper is because most of these Community Based Networks use Wi-Fi. 5G will be an intelligent network, it is difficult to imagine what 5G Wi-Fi would look like. It would be an advantage to Community Based Networks based on the CBNM models if all that is required is an upgrade of existing equipment. In this sense, these networks do not need to redeploy from scratch. If 5G Wi-Fi does not end up being an upgrade of the existing Wi-Fi standards, then using the CBNM model, thought should go into what will make the Community Based Networks still deploy Wi-Fi, especially in very poor areas. Such thought should include: the affordability of the cost of sensors and infrastructure equipment, the potential towards fabricating the Wi-Fi Access point equipment, the sustenance of Wi-Fi deregulation in many countries, the deregulation of Wi-Fi in countries that are yet to do so, the recognition of Community Based Networks as valid players in the market. One may say that Community Based Networks that deploy FTTH may last longer than those deploying Wi-Fi if 5G Wi-Fi becomes a disruptive innovation. However, there could be some communities, despite all odds, who would still deploy 5G Wi-Fi in such a case. But the question would be: Is it worth it, closing the door to these budding Community Based Networks?

3. Spectrum Sharing and 5G Applications

3.1. 5G Applications in Decentralized Networks

Since its debut as the underlying technology of Bitcoin, blockchain has revolutionized a number of sectors. Blockchain technology enables a decentralized, dependable, secure, and immutable record, enabling transactions between two nodes to occur without requiring central processing. The next generation of cellular networks, or 5G, was created in response to the increasing need for new services like vast IoT and driverless cars.

3.2 Key Technologies In 5G Networks

The 5G network architecture consists of key technologies which include:

• Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN): C-RAN is a centralized baseband unit pool which processes signals from remote radio heads. It enhances scalability, network capacity, and improves coverage.
• Software-Defined Networking (SDN): SDN enables users to manage network equipment using software, hereby separating network control from the data plane. It also provides flexibility and centralized control.
• Network Function Virtualization (NFV): NFV enables the virtualization of network functions, allowing them to be independent of specialist hardware and offering flexibility and scalability.
• Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC): With MEC, cloud computing capabilities can be delivered at the network’s edge, lowering latency and enhancing service quality.
• Device-to-Device (D2D) Communication: Direct device-to-device (D2D) connection improves spectral efficiency and opens up applications like file sharing and gaming.
• Network Slicing: Network slicing allows logical networks with different quality of service (QoS). It also allows for the development of tailored networks for a range of applications.

4. The Role of CloudSec in Securing Decentralized Telecommunications Networks

4.1. What is CloudSec?

CloudSec is an advanced Routing device that uses a strong, decentralized network architecture to improve online privacy and security. By routing data across a number of nodes and having each node peel back a layer of encryption, similar to peeling layers off an onion, onion routing allows anonymous communication over a public network. Adversaries find it difficult to track the data’s origin and destination thanks to this technique approach.

CloudSec uses the principles of Onion Routing to give users a private and secure channel of communication. CloudSec encrypts the data and sends it across a network of intermediate nodes when a user makes a request. Due to the secure system, it is impossible to identify the source and recipient of the data since each node decrypts a different layer of the encryption. A high degree of anonymity and defense against traffic analysis are guaranteed by this tiered strategy.

4.2. Role of CloudSec in Decentralized Telecommunications

1. Secure Internal Communications: For protecting internal communications on business networks, cloud security is the best option. Organizations can guarantee that confidential information and communications are shielded from illegal access and eavesdropping by using CloudSec at strategic locations throughout the network infrastructure.
2. Connectivity for Remote Offices: With the help of cloud security, remote offices can connect securely and employees can use central resources without jeopardizing the privacy of company data. The seamless integration of remote offices into the corporate network is guaranteed by the decentralized design.
3. Defense Against Insider Dangers: Because CloudSec anonymity makes it harder for hostile actors inside the company to track down and intercept critical conversations, it helps defend against insider threats. This is especially useful in settings where maintaining data security and privacy is crucial.
4. Personal Internet Privacy: CloudSec can be used by individual users to improve their online privacy. Through the usage of the CloudSec network, users may guarantee that their online actions are anonymous and shielded from possible monitoring.
5. Secure Browsing: By hiding the user’s IP address and encrypting data transfer, CloudSec offers a secure browsing experience. This is especially helpful for people who value their privacy when using the internet for work or personal use.
6. Safety on Open Wi-Fi Systems: A layer of security is provided by CloudSec when utilizing open Wi-Fi networks. Users don’t have to worry about their data being intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties when connecting to public hotspots.