Quantum Random Number Generator Key Generation Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryptographic methods are vulnerable to attacks from quantum computers, and there is a need for a secure method to generate and transfer quantum-safe keys within communication networks to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A procedure for local generation of quantum-safe keys using a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) that splits random numbers into partial sequences, transmitted redundantly through disjoint network paths, where they are reconstructed and combined using a key derivation function (KDF) and pre-shared secret (PSK) to create a user key, ensuring high security and resistance to quantum attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quantum mechanical means (QKD) are used for key distribution, then security against quantum attacks is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a quantum random number generator (QRNG) as an intermediary component that generates high-entropy random numbers locally within the network node. This local QRNG serves as a mediator between the need for quantum-security and the complexity of full QKD systems, providing quantum-generated randomness without requiring quantum key distribution infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the key generation process into two independent components: a local QRNG that generates quantum-secure random numbers, and a classical key derivation function that processes these numbers into final cryptographic keys. This segmentation allows the system to obtain quantum-security benefits from the QRNG while using simple classical processing, avoiding the complexity of complete quantum key distribution systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If random numbers are transmitted through the network, then key generation flexibility is improved, but vulnerability to interception increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating the random numbers locally using a QRNG before any key derivation or transmission occurs. The local generation ensures that the quantum-secure randomness is created at the point of use, eliminating the need to transmit sensitive random number data through the network and preventing interception vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of network transmission into benefit by using the network only for transmitting non-sensitive processed data (such as derived key material or authentication information) rather than the raw quantum random numbers themselves. This approach maintains key generation flexibility while eliminating interception risks associated with transmitting sensitive random data
3Ease of operation
If current cryptographic methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but security against quantum attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/classical random number generation system with a quantum-based QRNG system. This replacement maintains the operational simplicity of local key generation while fundamentally improving security by using quantum mechanical processes that are resistant to quantum computing attacks. The substitution is transparent to the overall system operation, preserving ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of randomness generation from classical to quantum-based. By altering the physical basis of random number generation from classical electronic processes to quantum mechanical processes, the system maintains its operational simplicity while achieving quantum-security. The change in the underlying physical parameter (from classical to quantum) provides security without complicating operation
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 method provides a robust and secure way to generate and transfer quantum-safe keys, enhancing the resilience of communication networks against quantum computer attacks by utilizing redundant transmission paths and multiple encryption methods, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
using a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) that splits random numbers into partial sequences
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the local generation of quantum-safe keys in a network, in which a respective quantum-safe key, namely a user key usable for quantum-cryptographically secured communication, is generated locally in at least one of several network nodes interconnected via the network. This is done by applying a Key Derivation Function (KDF) to at least one random number and/or by combining it with a pre-shared secret. The at least one random number is provided to the aforementioned key-generating network node (NRN) via the network by one of the other network nodes (RGN) that locally generate random numbers using quantum mechanical means.A given random number is received by the NRN as a number of several subsequences, which are formed by the RGN according to a polynomial scheme PS encompassing this random number and enabling its later reconstruction, and are redundantly transmitted to the network node NRN via the same number of completely disjoint network paths, with each subsequence being transmitted via a different network path.