Quantum Node Verification Ledger for Trusted End-to-End Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quantum key distribution methods do not provide secure end-to-end connections in a network of nodes in a quantum internet.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a central node sending entangled qubits to user nodes, verifying connections through a comparison of information derived from these qubits, and maintaining a ledger of verified nodes and connections using digital coins to ensure trustworthiness, with unsuccessful nodes being ousted from the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quantum key distribution is implemented between two users using a central source, then secure connection between the two users is ensured, but secure end-to-end connections in a network of users are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the quantum key distribution process into verifiable components: central node qubit distribution, user node measurement, information comparison, and verification steps. Each segment can be independently verified and recorded in a ledger, enabling scalable network implementation while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where users verify received qubits by comparing information with the central node, and the verification results are recorded in a ledger. This feedback loop ensures continuous monitoring and verification of security across the network, enabling both secure connections and network-wide adaptability.
2Reliability
If verification procedures are implemented to identify untrustworthy nodes, then network security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification actions by comparing information from received qubits against expected values before establishing full communication channels. The ledger records these preliminary verification results, allowing the network to pre-identify untrustworthy nodes and prevent their participation in future transactions, thereby improving security without requiring complex real-time monitoring.
3Reliability
If a ledger is maintained to record verification information, then trustworthiness of nodes can be verified, but information processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified copies of verification information in a ledger structure that can be efficiently queried and updated. Rather than maintaining complex verification states, the system uses digital coins and ledger entries as simplified representations of trustworthiness, reducing processing overhead while maintaining verification capability.
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 method provides secure end-to-end connections by identifying and ousting untrustworthy nodes, reducing latency, and ensuring the most secure and stable path for quantum information transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a stream of entangled qubits is created by a central source that is not controlled by the two users that want to share a secret key. One qubit of each pair of entangled qubits is sent to a first user, and the other qubit of each pair to the other user.
Implementation Method 2
By measuring the corresponding qubits, the two users can agree on a secret key only known to them, and a secret communication path between the two users may be established.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for providing a ledger of verified nodes for a network of nodes in a quantum internet, comprising:/a/ sending (101), by a central node (N-CH), first qubits (qb1) to a first node (N-U1) and second qubits (qb2) to a second node (N-U2), wherein each first qubit (qb1) is entangled with a second qubit (qb2);/b/ sending (102), by the central node (N-CH), digital coins to each first node (N-U1) and each second node (N-U2);/c/ saving (103) to a ledger: information regarding identities of the first, second and central nodes (N-U1, N-U2, N-CH), and information regarding a comparison of first information determined from the first qubits (qb1) to second information determined from the second qubits (qb2); and/d/ if the first information corresponds to the second information, sending (105), by the first and second nodes (N-U1, N-U2), said digital coins back to the central node (N-CH).