Desktop QKD Hardware Device for EuroQCI Last-Mile
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Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of the European quantum communication infrastructure (EuroQCI) faces challenges, particularly in the last-mile portion, where local networks and terminal devices connected thereto are expensive and inefficient due to the large number of terminal devices within the EU.
Innovation Solution
A quantum key distribution (QKD) hardware device for desktop computers, which includes a circuit board with a bus connector, input and output optical connectors, an Ethernet connector, an embedded operational system, and an optical module, enabling efficient and economical sharing of QKD encryption keys within the last-mile portion of the EuroQCI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional QKD systems are deployed for each terminal device in the EU, then quantum encryption key sharing is achieved, but the cost and complexity increase significantly due to the large number of terminal devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple QKD terminal devices into a single QKD hardware device that can be shared among multiple users. This consolidation reduces the number of individual devices needed while maintaining the ability to share quantum encryption keys securely across multiple terminal devices in the EU.
Solution Approach 2:
The QKD hardware device is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple users and terminal devices simultaneously. It includes universal interfaces (optical connectors, Ethernet connectors) and an embedded operational system that can manage multiple users, thereby reducing the overall complexity of deploying QKD across the EU.
2Reliability
If multiple separate QKD terminal devices are deployed, then each device can independently share encryption keys, but the manufacturing cost and deployment expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple separate QKD terminal devices into a single integrated QKD hardware device. This merging reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant components while preserving the encryption key sharing capability across multiple users through shared optical and communication interfaces.
3Device complexity
If a centralized QKD system is implemented, then key management is simplified, but the connectivity and accessibility to multiple terminal devices become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The QKD hardware device incorporates universal interfaces including optical connectors for quantum signal transmission and Ethernet connectors for classical communication. These standardized interfaces enable the centralized system to easily connect to various terminal devices while maintaining simplified key management through the embedded operational system.
4Reliability
If traditional optical connectors and interfaces are used for each terminal device, then QKD connectivity is established, but the interface complexity and connectivity challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple interface types (optical connectors, Ethernet connectors) into a single integrated QKD hardware device. This consolidation maintains reliable QKD connectivity through standardized interfaces while reducing the overall interface complexity by eliminating the need for separate connection systems at each terminal device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A quantum key distribution, QKD, hardware device for a desktop computer, comprising a circuit board with a bus connector for connecting to a bus system of the desktop computer, a desktop computer, a QKD inhouse facility and a national quantum communication infrastructure, NatQCI.