QKDN KSA Key Relay with Central Cipher Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quantum key distribution networks lack operational flexibility and require high implementation effort in relaying key supply agent keys, with vulnerabilities allowing attackers to recover the keys.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a hybrid cipher conversion path that includes both in-path and off-path conversions, using a central cipher collector to bypass transit nodes and reduce the need for trusted nodes, thereby enhancing flexibility and reducing implementation effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional in-path cipher conversion method is used where transit QKD nodes convert ciphers sequentially, then the KSA key can be relayed through the network, but the implementation requires high effort and creates security vulnerabilities where attackers can recover keys at transit nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Central Cipher Collector (CCC) as an intermediary component that centralizes the cipher conversion function. Instead of each transit QKD node performing cipher conversion (which creates security vulnerabilities), the CCC collects all necessary KMA keys and performs the cipher conversion in a centralized, secure location. This eliminates the security vulnerability at transit nodes while managing the complexity centrally rather than distributed across multiple nodes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trusted transit QKD nodes are deployed to securely relay KSA keys, then security is improved, but the network flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cipher conversion function from the transit QKD nodes and relocates it to the Central Cipher Collector. This extraction allows transit nodes to operate without performing sensitive key operations, eliminating the need for them to be trusted nodes. Consequently, the network gains flexibility in node deployment and configuration while maintaining security through the centralized CCC architecture.
3Productivity
If KSA keys are relayed through multiple transit nodes with sequential cipher conversions, then the key reaches the target node, but the process introduces high latency and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the Central Cipher Collector pre-collect all necessary KMA keys from various transit nodes before the actual KSA key relay operation. When a KSA key needs to be relayed, the CCC already has all required keys available, enabling immediate cipher conversion without sequential waiting. This preliminary key collection significantly reduces the latency associated with key relay operations.
4Ease of operation
If a centralized cipher collection approach is used, then network flexibility and reduced latency are achieved, but the complexity of key management at the central collector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Central Cipher Collector is designed as a universal component that handles multiple functions: collecting KMA keys from various transit nodes, managing different cipher conversion algorithms, supporting multiple KSA key relay operations simultaneously, and interfacing with different QKD node types. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single versatile component rather than requiring complex configurations at each transit node, thereby improving operational flexibility while managing complexity centrally.
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 allows for flexible and economical operation of quantum key distribution networks with reduced latency, improved security, and integration of different networks.
Implementation Method 1
a source QKD node of a QKDN transmits a KSA key as a source cipher via the QKDN to a target QKD node of the QKDN and the target QKD node receives the KSA key as a target cipher, the QKDN converting the source cipher into the target cipher
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method of relaying a key supply agent, KSA, key within a quantum key distribution, QKD, network, QKDN, wherein, controlled by a QKDN controller of the QKDN, a source QKD node of a QKDN transmits a KSA key as a source cipher via the QKDN to a target QKD node of the QKDN and the target QKD node receives the KSA key as a target cipher, the QKDN converting the source cipher into the target cipher; a QKDN central ciper converter, CCC, for a QKDN, a QKDN, a QKDN system and a computer program product.