Quantum Key Distribution Identity Authentication via Wavelength Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quantum key distribution protocols lack effective identity authentication mechanisms, making them vulnerable to middle-man attacks and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, and do not fully utilize the security benefits of quantum mechanics.
Innovation Solution
A method for identity authentication in quantum key distribution processes using quantum communication devices, where a sender prepares and sends quantum state information with interleaved identity authentication and key bits, and a receiver measures these states to determine authentication, ensuring consistency with a preset basis vector selection rule, thereby verifying identities and securing key distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quantum key distribution protocols are used without identity authentication, then key distribution can proceed freely, but the system becomes vulnerable to middle-man attacks and DDoS attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the quantum key distribution process into distinct authentication and key distribution phases. Identity authentication is performed separately using quantum states before the actual key distribution begins, allowing security verification without complicating the core key distribution mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary identity authentication using quantum states before the main key distribution process. By performing authentication in advance through quantum state preparation and measurement, the system ensures security is established beforehand, preventing middle-man and DDoS attacks without adding complexity to the subsequent key distribution.
2Measurement precision
If all quantum states of authentication key are transmitted to ensure identity verification, then authentication accuracy improves, but photon attenuation in transmission causes loss of quantum states and reduces identity recognition rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only a subset of quantum states for authentication purposes rather than all authentication key states. Specifically, it transmits N quantum states for identity authentication while the total authentication key contains more states, allowing verification without requiring complete transmission and thus mitigating photon loss effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of quantum state transmission by using different wavelengths for authentication states versus key distribution states. This parameter differentiation allows the receiver to distinguish and process authentication states separately, maintaining identity recognition accuracy while accounting for transmission attenuation through selective wavelength handling.
3Ease of operation
If quantum states are transmitted using a single wavelength, then the transmission process is simple, but the receiver cannot distinguish between authentication states and key distribution states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different wavelengths to different functional quantum states. Authentication quantum states use one wavelength while key distribution quantum states use another, giving each type of state a distinct local property (wavelength) that enables the receiver to easily distinguish and process them separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wavelength differentiation analogous to color changes, where quantum states are transmitted at different wavelengths to encode their functional identity. This allows the receiver to distinguish authentication states from key distribution states through wavelength detection without complicating the overall transmission process.
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
This approach enhances the security of quantum key distribution by defending against middle-man and DDoS attacks, ensuring the integrity of the authentication process and maintaining the reliability of quantum key distribution without reducing its quantity.
Implementation Method 1
sending, by the sender, quantum state information including quantum states of the identity authentication bit string and quantum states of a randomly generated key bit string by using different wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
An identity authentication method for a quantum key distribution process includes selecting, by a sender, preparation bases of an identity authentication bit string in accordance with a preset basis vector selection rule; sending, by a sender, quantum states of the identity authentication bit string and quantum states of a randomly generated key bit string by using different wavelengths. The identity authentication bit string is interleaved in the key bit string at a random position and with a random length. The method further includes measuring, by a receiver, the received quantum states in the quantum state information in accordance with the different wavelengths and measurement bases selected according to the preset basis vector selection rule to obtain identity authentication information from the measurement of the identity authentication bit string; and determining, by the receiver, whether the identity authentication information obtained through the measurement corresponds with the preset basis vector selection rule.