Quantum Network Configuration Distribution via Qubit Indexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Classical communication networks face challenges in securing communication due to unauthorized access, particularly in public servers where port changes are complex and cumbersome, and in private groups where distributing new port numbers is difficult, leading to insecure configurations.

Innovation Solution

A quantum network is used to securely distribute communication network configurations by transmitting qubits, which exist in a superposition of states, allowing secure configuration changes without exposing configuration parameters, and enabling detection of eavesdropping attempts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If port numbers are changed to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but the complexity of distributing new port numbers to all devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcomplexity of distributing configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the configuration identification from the actual configuration parameters. Instead of distributing complete port numbers and configuration details, the system distributes only qubits that encode configuration identifiers. The actual configuration parameters are stored locally in configuration dictionaries at each device, so only minimal quantum information needs to be transmitted to update configurations securely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces qubits as an intermediary carrier for configuration distribution. Rather than directly transmitting configuration parameters or port numbers, the system uses quantum-encrypted qubits as a secure mediator. These qubits serve as keys that allow devices to securely retrieve configuration identifiers without exposing the actual configuration parameters during transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If configuration parameters are transmitted in detail, then configuration accuracy is improved, but the risk of interception and unauthorized access increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidrisk of interception
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration information into two separate components: configuration identifiers (transmitted via qubits) and configuration parameters (stored locally in dictionaries). This segmentation allows the system to transmit only minimal identifying information through the insecure quantum channel while keeping detailed configuration parameters stored securely locally at each device, thus preventing interception risks while maintaining configuration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates local copies of configuration dictionaries at each device. Instead of transmitting complete configuration parameters through the network, each device maintains a local copy of the configuration dictionary and uses quantum-transmitted identifiers to select and apply the appropriate configuration from its local copy, eliminating the need to transmit sensitive parameter details.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If qubits are transmitted instead of configuration parameters, then security is improved, but the complexity of the quantum network infrastructure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidquantum network infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the configuration dictionary structure universal across all devices in the network. By standardizing the dictionary format and identifier system, the same quantum transmission protocol can be used for any configuration update across different device types and network locations, reducing the need for device-specific quantum infrastructure complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach enhances security by reducing processing resources and avoiding unauthorized access, as qubits in a superposition state prevent interception and ensure secure configuration changes across the network.

Implementation Method 1

qubits are characterized by superposition. Superposition means that a qubit exists in a superposition of all its possible quantum states

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperposition:

Implementation Method 2

Transmission of the set of qubits is relatively highly secure because it can be relatively easily determined whether an unauthorized device has attempted to eavesdrop on the transmission upon receiving the set of qubits

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectQuantum entanglement:

Data Source

PatentUS20240320531A1Using quantum networks to distribute configurations in a distributed system
Publication Date: 2024.09.26 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US20240320531A1 patent drawing
  • US20240320531A1 patent drawing
  • US20240320531A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method, according to one approach, includes receiving at least one set of qubits at a first client component, and using the at least one set of qubits to index a configuration dictionary to determine a first configuration. The configuration dictionary defines a plurality of different configurations. The method further includes causing the first client component to be configured according to the first configuration. A computer program product, according to another approach, includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are readable and/or executable by a first client component to cause the first client component to perform the foregoing method. A system, according to another approach, includes a processor, and logic integrated with the processor, executable by the processor, or integrated with and executable by the processor. The logic is configured to perform the foregoing method.