Quantum Key Controller Network for Extended Distribution Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Quantum Key Distribution systems are limited to approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) due to attenuation in practical media like fiber optics, restricting the distance over which secure quantum keys can be distributed and compromising security within nodes.
Innovation Solution
A quantum communication system employing a network of trusted nodes with quantum key controllers and transmitters/receivers that exchange and re-encrypt quantum keys across multiple hops, extending the distribution distance and enhancing security by using quantum channels for key exchange and standard networks for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quantum key distribution is performed over practical media such as fiber optics, then secure communication can be achieved, but the distribution distance is limited to about 60 miles or 100 kilometers due to attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the long-distance quantum key distribution path into multiple segments, each handled by a trusted node. Each node performs quantum key distribution with its neighbors over short distances (within the 60-mile limit), then classically transmits the keys through the network to endpoints. This segmentation allows the overall system to achieve distances far exceeding the single-hop quantum distribution limit while maintaining security through multiple encryption layers.
2Length of stationary object
If the distribution distance is extended beyond 60 miles using multiple hops, then longer distance communication is achieved, but the complexity of the system increases with multiple trusted nodes and re-encryption operations
Solution Approach 1:
Trusted nodes serve as intermediaries between endpoint nodes, performing quantum key distribution with neighbors and classical key transmission to endpoints. Each trusted node acts as a mediator that receives quantum keys from one neighbor, re-encrypts them with a different quantum key from another neighbor, and forwards them through the network. This intermediary approach enables distance extension while distributing the complexity across multiple specialized nodes rather than requiring complex end-to-end quantum distribution.
3Length of stationary object
If multiple trusted nodes are used to extend distance, then distribution range is increased, but the security of keys inside nodes must be maintained across more intermediate points
Solution Approach 1:
Each trusted node performs preliminary quantum key distribution with its neighbors before classical key transmission occurs. The quantum keys are generated and exchanged securely at the quantum level first, then used to encrypt the actual data keys during classical transmission. This preliminary quantum key establishment ensures that even though keys pass through multiple intermediate nodes, each segment is secured by quantum-generated keys that are never transmitted in plaintext over the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the encryption parameter at each trusted node by using different quantum keys for different segments. Each trusted node re-encrypts the data key with a new quantum key received from its neighbor, transforming the encryption state at each hop. This parameter change ensures that even if one node is compromised, the security of other segments remains intact due to the use of different encryption keys for different network segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A quantum communication system has a plurality of trusted nodes. Each trusted node has a quantum key controller, and a quantum transmitter or a quantum receiver. The trusted nodes are configurable as first and second endpoint trusted nodes and middle-trusted nodes between endpoint trusted nodes. The first endpoint trusted node encrypt data comprising a first key, using a first quantum key. Each middle-trusted node decrypts, using a preceding quantum key, and re-encrypts using a succeeding quantum key. The second endpoint trusted node decrypts using a quantum key, so that the first and second endpoint trusted nodes each have the first key.