Quantum Key Distribution via Trusted Relay Interleaving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Quantum key distribution systems face limitations in distributing secure keys over long distances and in networks with multiple users, as they require direct optical links and are impractical for large-scale networks due to the need for single photons and direct connections between all users.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a source quantum node, intermediate quantum node, and target quantum node, where the source node generates and transmits quantum keys to the intermediate node, which then generates and interleaves keys with the intermediate node, creating a second pair of keys identical to the first pair, and transmits these to the target node using quantum links, avoiding direct connection between the source and target nodes and using classical communication for key distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct optical links are used between all users in a network, then secure key distribution is achieved, but device complexity and impracticality increase for large networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces trusted relay nodes as intermediaries between source and target nodes. These relay nodes receive quantum keys from source nodes, perform key hopping to generate new keys, and forward them to target nodes. This intermediary structure enables secure key distribution in large networks without requiring direct optical links between all user pairs, thus resolving the contradiction between security reliability and network structure complexity.
2Reliability
If single photons are used in quantum key distribution, then security is maintained, but transmission distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long-distance transmission path into multiple shorter segments separated by trusted relay nodes. Each segment transmits single photons over a manageable distance, maintaining quantum security. The relay nodes perform key hopping to generate fresh keys for each segment, enabling end-to-end secure key distribution across long distances without compromising the security properties of single-photon transmission.
3Reliability
If an uninterrupted optical path is required from source to target, then quantum key distribution works, but adaptability to network topologies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs trusted relay nodes as intermediaries that can be positioned at various network locations to establish quantum key distribution paths according to network topology requirements. These relay nodes maintain quantum channel integrity within each segment while enabling flexible routing through the network, thus achieving both quantum channel reliability and network topology adaptability.
4Reliability
If One-Time Pad encryption is combined with QKD, then provable security is achieved, but key management complexity increases due to key length requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall key distribution process into multiple smaller key exchange operations between adjacent nodes. Instead of requiring one extremely long key for end-to-end encryption, the system generates shorter keys for each segment through QKD. The trusted relay nodes perform key hopping to manage these segmented keys, reducing the key management complexity while maintaining the provable security benefits of One-Time Pad encryption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for securely distributing quantum keys in a network are disclosed. The method includes receiving request for generating pair of quantum keys between source quantum node and target quantum node. Further, the method includes generating first pair of quantum keys based on the request. The method includes transmitting the first pair of quantum keys to the intermediate quantum node using a first quantum link. The method further includes generating intermediate pair of quantum key based on events detected at the intermediate quantum node. The method further includes interleaving the intermediate pair of quantum key with the first pair of quantum keys. Also, the method includes generating a second pair of quantum keys comprising interleaved intermediate pair of quantum key and first pair of quantum keys. Further, the method includes encoding and transmitting the second pair of quantum keys to target quantum node using second quantum link.