# Mitigating Timing Side-Channel Attacks in Software-Defined Networks: Detection and Response +
## 2 Related Work  
SDN has emerged as an attractive option to perform diverse functions in 5G and 6G telecommunications networks. Network programmability offers flexibility in the implementation of telecommunications networks. SDN offers flexibility in the implementation of telecommunications networks, allowing for the creation of customised logical 5G networks with dedicated and shared resources [8]. SDN enables network operators to achieve real-time optimisation of the network performance and dynamic resource allocation. [PERSON] et al. [9] conducted a comprehensive analysis of the incorporation of SDN to facilitate the operation of 5G-based IoT devices. The authors of this work highlight the future aspects and challenges in this field, including 'protocol and standardization','meeting slicing requirement for 6G', and 'trust and security', as some of the potential challenges faced when combining these technologies. [PERSON] et al. 's work [10] highlights potential challenges in implementing an SDN-based 5G IoT network. They presented an SDN-based 5G IoT network architecture and listed potential challenges, such as the quality of open-source software, availability of open-source SDN for 5G, scarcity of real-world testing, and effective network rollouts. [PERSON] et al. [11] proposed an SDN intrusion detection method for 5G networks. This study demonstrates the existence of security threats and intrusions in SDN-based 5G telecommunications networks. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the SDN security. The primary focus areas include intrusion detection, controller and data-plane security, access control, and authentication. Various researchers have proposed strategies to address these vulnerabilities and to overcome these challenges. [PERSON] et al. [12] provided an elaborate discussion of the security concerns that 5G mobile networks face when integrating SDN. [PERSON] et al. [13] proposed an intrusion detection system-based security architecture for detection and response in SDNs. [PERSON] et al. [14] employed flow monitoring to design an intrusion-resistant SDN architecture. [PERSON] et al. [15] recently developed SYNAP-TIC, an automated system designed to verify security chains in SDN. This approach was subsequently employed to develop a security policy validation solution for SDN-based networks [16]. Several researchers have proposed SDN-based security architectures for networks with 5G and 6G connectivities [10]. Several computer systems have successfully targeted side-channel attacks. [PERSON] [17] introduced a side-channel attack known as a timing attack. His work has since become a significant source of attacks that involve timing and power evaluation. Timing-based side-channel attacks are a significant threat to environments sensitive to timing changes. The fundamental concept underlying these attacks is that the processing time for various operations may vary, depending on the type of data being processed [18]. Studies have indicated that timing-based side-channel attacks can be executed using both hardware and software [19]. [PERSON] et al. [20] investigated side-channel timing attacks within on-chip systems and highlighted how precise timing side-channel attacks can enable adversaries to access processor data. [PERSON] et al. [21] employed timing-based side-channel attacks to detect anomalies in the control systems. Timing-based side-channel attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent in SDNs, owing to the separation of control and data planes [22]. In a previous study [23], we proposed the use of random delay to prevent timing side-channel attacks. [PERSON] et al. [24] published an in-depth study on the risks posed by SDN. The authors classified data breaches in the data plane as packet round-trip time (RTT) attacks. The study identified that an intruder can determine the control path latency to evaluate the communication patterns. [PERSON] et al. [25] proposed the 'Know Your Enemy' attack, which uses timing information to determine an SDN's network configuration.