Quantum Key Distribution Path Separation for Secure Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In quantum key distribution networks, the dependence of quantum key consumption paths on data transfer paths leads to network performance deterioration and exposes both data and quantum keys to eavesdropping risks.
Innovation Solution
The network apparatus independently operates data transfer and quantum key consumption paths by regenerating quantum keys between nodes using a quantum key combiner, storing key consumption path information, and ensuring disjoint paths for data transmission to minimize overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If quantum key consumption path coincides with data transfer path, then network resource utilization is improved, but network performance deteriorates and security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network path into separate quantum key consumption paths and data transfer paths. By segmenting the originally unified path into distinct functional paths, the system achieves both high resource utilization (through shared quantum key distribution infrastructure) and high reliability (through path independence for security-critical operations).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a quantum key management entity that acts as an intermediary between quantum key distribution and data transfer operations. This mediator manages quantum key consumption independently, allowing data to be encrypted and transmitted without the data path directly consuming quantum keys, thus separating the two functions while maintaining coordination.
2Device complexity
If quantum key consumption path coincides with data transfer path, then path configuration is simplified, but both data and quantum keys are exposed to eavesdropping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into distinct quantum key consumption paths and data transfer paths. This segmentation increases path configuration complexity but eliminates the security vulnerability of single-path exposure, as eavesdroppers can no longer intercept both quantum keys and data through a single path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the quantum key consumption function from the data transfer path. By taking out the quantum key consumption operation and placing it on a separate dedicated path, the system removes the security risk of combined exposure while maintaining the ability to securely encrypt and transmit data.
3Reliability
If independent paths are operated for data transfer and quantum key consumption, then security and performance are improved, but path management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal quantum key management framework that can handle both quantum key distribution and consumption across multiple independent paths. This multi-functional system manages path configuration, key allocation, and monitoring in a unified manner, reducing the perceived complexity despite the increased number of paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor quantum key consumption and data transfer path status. This feedback system automatically adjusts path allocation and key distribution, reducing manual management complexity while maintaining security and performance improvements from path independence.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a quantum key distribution network apparatus and an operation method for a quantum key distribution network, for independently operating a data transfer path and a quantum key consumption path on which a quantum key is consumed to encrypt corresponding data in a quantum key distribution network.