# Enhancing Communication Security in Drones Using QRNG in Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
## 2 Related Works  
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) has long been recognized as a robust method for secure wireless communications due to its resistance to interference and eavesdropping. The concept of FHSS was first patented by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [11], wherethe carrier frequency is rapidly switched according to a specific sequence known only to the communicating parties. Traditional FHSS systems utilize Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs) to create these hopping sequences. While PRNGs are computationally efficient, they are inherently deterministic, making them susceptible to prediction and reverse engineering if an adversary intercepts sufficient portions of the communication [12]. The limitations of PRNGs in security-critical applications have spurred interest in True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) and, more recently, Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs). QRNGs exploit fundamental quantum mechanical processes, such as quantum vacuum fluctuations and photon emission events, to produce truly random numbers that are inherently unpredictable [13]. [PERSON] et al. [14] demonstrated an early implementation of a QRNG using photon polarization measurements, providing a significant enhancement in randomness over classical TRNGs. In the context of cryptographic systems, secure key distribution and encryption are paramount. The RSA algorithm [15], developed by [PERSON], [PERSON], and [PERSON], revolutionized public-key cryptography by utilizing the computational difficulty of factoring large composite numbers. RSA allows for secure key exchange over unsecured channels, which is essential for initializing secure communications. However, RSA's security relies on key lengths that may be computationally intensive for resource-constrained devices. Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) [16; 17] offers similar security levels to RSA but with smaller key sizes, making it more suitable for devices with limited computational resources, such as drones and IoT devices. ECC's efficiency stems from the mathematical complexity of the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem, which remains intractable for sufficiently large key sizes. For symmetric encryption, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) [18] has become the industry standard due to its balance of security and performance. AES is employed for encrypting data streams after the initial key exchange, ensuring confidentiality and integrity during communication sessions. The combination of public-key cryptography for key exchange (RSA or ECC) and symmetric encryption (AES) provides a robust framework for secure communications. Recent advancements in integrating QRNGs into communication systems have shown promise in enhancing security. [PERSON] et al. [19] utilized quantum phase fluctuations in a laser diode to generate high-speed random numbers suitable for cryptographic applications. Such QRNGs can be integrated into FHSS systems to produce truly random hopping sequences, significantly increasing the difficulty for adversaries attempting to predict or jam the communication. In the field of drone communications, security is a critical concern due to the increasing reliance on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military, commercial, and civilian applications. Existing research has explored various aspects of secure drone communications, including secure routing protocols [20], intrusion detection systems [21], and encryption schemes tailored for UAV networks [22]. However, the application of QRNG-based FHSS in drone networks remains relatively unexplored. Frequency hopping in wireless communication systems, while providing security and robustness against interference and eavesdropping, introduces challenges related to scheduling and potential interruption of connections. Efficient scheduling is crucial to ensure seamless communication, especially in dynamic networks such as multi-hop UAV systems [23] and IoT Networks [24]. Our work builds upon these foundational studies by integrating QRNGs into FHSS systems specifically for multi-drone networks.