Securing Delay-Tolerant Networks with BPSec

Book excerpt: One-stop reference on how to secure a Delay-Tolerant Network (DTN), written by experienced industry insiders Securing Delay-Tolerant Networks with BPSec answers the question, “How can delay-tolerant networks be secured when operating in environments that would otherwise break many of the common security approaches used on the terrestrial Internet today?” The text is composed of three sections: (1) security considerations for delay-tolerant networks, (2) the design, implementation, and customization of the BPSec protocol, and (3) how this protocol can be applied, combined with other security protocols, and deployed in an example case study. The text includes a series of use cases illustrating the function of BPSec in a network along with a case study for securing cislunar communications. It also features a tutorial on how to achieve several important security outcomes with a combination of security protocols, BPSec included. Overall, it covers best practices for common security functions, clearly showing designers how to prevent network architecture from being over-constrained by traditional security approaches. Written by the lead author and originator of the BPSec protocol specification, Securing Delay-Tolerant Networks (DTNs) with BPSec includes information on: The gap between cryptography and network security, how security requirements constrain network architectures, and why we need something different DTN stressing conditions, covering intermittent connectivity, congested paths, partitioned topologies, limited link state, and multiple administrative controls Securing the terrestrial internet, involving a layered approach to security, the impact of protocol design on security services, and securing the internetworking and transport layers A delay-tolerant security architecture, including desirable properties of a DTN secure protocol, fine-grained security services, and protocol augmentation Securing Delay-Tolerant Networks (DTNs) with BPSec is a one-stop reference on the subject for any professional operationally deploying BP who must use BPSec for its security, including software technical leads, software developers, space flight mission leaders, network operators, and technology and product development leaders in general.