Lawful Interception Key Exchange Using Quantum KSID Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lawful interception (LI) communication in telecommunication networks lacks robust security measures, particularly in the exchange of sensitive data between LI entities, as protection mechanisms are typically applied at the transport layer and not specified within LI standards.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that utilizes quantum key distribution (QKD) to secure communication by obtaining quantum keys and key stream identifiers (KSIDs) from a quantum key distribution network (QKDN) for encryption of sensitive data, replacing traditional transport layer encryption and ensuring high-security data transmission between LI entities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional transport layer encryption is used to protect communication between LI entities, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but security level is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidcomplexity of key management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A quantum key distribution network (QKDN) is introduced as an intermediary system to generate and distribute quantum keys between LI entities. The QKDN includes quantum key distribution entities that establish secure communication channels and manage key distribution, thereby providing high security without requiring complex key management in the LI entities themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional classical encryption mechanisms are replaced with quantum key distribution technology. The patent uses quantum mechanical principles (quantum entanglement and quantum teleportation) to establish secure communication channels, substituting classical cryptographic methods with quantum-based security mechanisms that provide provable security guarantees.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If quantum key distribution is implemented directly in LI entities, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The QKDN acts as an intermediary that handles all quantum key distribution operations, allowing LI entities to simply request and use pre-distributed quantum keys without implementing complex quantum protocols themselves. This maintains ease of operation while achieving high security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The QKDN is designed as a universal infrastructure that serves multiple LI entities and communication channels. The quantum key distribution entities can serve different LI functions (intercepted data, command data, target data) through a single unified system, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If quantum keys are distributed through existing network infrastructure, then device complexity is reduced, but security against eavesdropping is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure complexityVSAvoidvulnerability to eavesdropping

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces classical key distribution infrastructure with quantum key distribution infrastructure that uses quantum mechanical properties (entanglement and teleportation) to securely distribute keys. This substitution provides inherent protection against eavesdropping through quantum security guarantees while maintaining manageable infrastructure complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of key distribution from classical to quantum domain. By using quantum states (qubits) instead of classical bits for key distribution, the system achieves security against eavesdropping while the QKDN manages the complexity of quantum infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures secure encryption of sensitive data in transit between LI entities, providing a high level of protection against eavesdropping and enabling configurable security levels, while abstracting from underlying QKD technology.

Implementation Method 1

obtain, by a LI ADMF from a quantum key distribution network (QKDN), a quantum key

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuantum key distribution:

Data Source

PatentUS12483896B2Method in a telecommunication network, and computer system

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A lawful interception administrative function, LI ADMF, (108) in a telecommunication network (100) obtains from a quantum key distribution network, QKDN, (10) a quantum key and a key stream identifier, KSID, associated with the quantum key. The LI ADMF (108) transmits the KSID associated with the quantum key to an LI entity (107, 136) in the telecommunication network (100). The LI entity (107, 136) then obtains, from the QKDN (10), a quantum key associated with the KSID transmitted by the LI ADMF (108). Such a procedure provides a secure exchange of quantum keys to enable encryption of sensitive data within messages exchanged by LI entities in the telecommunication network (100).