Centralized Quantum Key Relay Network Topology Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quantum key distribution over long distances is limited due to channel attenuation, making direct quantum links between many terminals impractical, and existing relay methods are not applicable in quantum communication as they rely on regeneration and amplification, which is not feasible with quantum signals.
Innovation Solution
A centralized management and control network is used to determine globally optimal key relay instructions, allowing source and destination key nodes to perform quantum key relay efficiently by analyzing topology information and quantum key consumption parameters, reducing hardware costs and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a relay node is introduced to extend the transmission distance, then the effective transmission distance is improved, but the device complexity and hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long-distance quantum key distribution into multiple segments by introducing relay nodes. Each relay node establishes quantum key distribution links with adjacent nodes, creating a segmented path that extends the overall transmission distance while maintaining security through multiple key negotiation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs relay nodes as intermediaries between the source and destination. These relay nodes perform key relay operations by receiving encrypted keys from one node and re-encrypting them for the next node, enabling extended transmission without requiring direct quantum links between all endpoints.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple relay nodes are used to achieve long-distance transmission, then the transmission distance is improved, but the computing resources and operational complexity at relay nodes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary key establishment between adjacent relay nodes before the actual key relay operation. This preliminary quantum key distribution setup enables the relay nodes to perform secure re-encryption operations during data transmission, reducing the operational burden during the main transmission process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic key selection and re-encryption operations at relay nodes. The relay nodes can flexibly choose which quantum keys to use for re-encryption based on the current transmission state, optimizing the operational complexity and adapting to different transmission scenarios.
3Ease of manufacture
If direct quantum links are established between all terminals, then the network construction cost is reduced, but the effective transmission distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple quantum key distribution links connected through relay nodes. This segmentation allows the network to extend transmission distance by combining multiple short-distance secure links rather than requiring a single long-distance direct quantum link, reducing overall construction costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimension of key relay operations between the physical quantum transmission dimension and the cryptographic key management dimension. This allows the network to achieve extended effective distance through coordinated key negotiation and re-encryption across multiple nodes rather than solely through physical distance extension.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application relate to the field of communications technologies. The embodiments of this application are applicable to a centralized management and control network. A centralized controller obtains Z service requests, globally determines, based on an identifier of a source service node and an identifier of a destination service node that are corresponding to each of the Z service requests, a quantum key consumption parameter, and topology information of key nodes in the centralized management and control network, globally optimal key relay instructions corresponding to G service requests, and further delivers the key relay instructions corresponding to the G service requests to key nodes corresponding to the key relay instructions, so that the key nodes perform quantum key relay based on the key relay instructions, to generate a shared quantum key between the source key node and the destination key node.