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Introduction

Network security is one of the major concerns for any business or organization transporting sensitive and confidential information over the network. Such network security concerns involve the lowest network layer, typically referred to asthe physical layer (layer one), as well as higher software layers of the networking protocols. Most of the interception activity by outside intruders occurs within higher protocol software layers. Password protection or data encryption areexamples of counter measures to protect the network from outside and unwanted tampering. Intrusion of the physical layer itself can be another concern for network operators, although it is a far less likely target for unauthorized accessto networking data. This can be a threat if information is transported over a copperbased infrastructure that can be easily intercepted, but optical wireless transmissions are among the most secure connectivity solutions, regarding network interceptionof the actual physical layer. LightPointe’s optical wireless networking equipment is based on physical layer transport. This white paper discusses security aspects involving the physical layer.