Trusted-Node QKD Signatures for Secure Non-Full-Mesh Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quantum digital signature methods face limitations in non-full-mesh networks and require direct communication between nodes, leading to security risks like eavesdropping and tampering, while trusted center-based methods are difficult to implement due to quantum entanglement and require additional systems.
Innovation Solution
A quantum key distribution (QKD)-based method using a trusted node for generating and verifying signatures in a tree network, sharing secret keys and performing partial QKD processes to ensure secure communication without quantum entanglement, applicable in partial mesh networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If direct communication between nodes is used in QKD-based quantum digital signature, then existing QKD equipment can be utilized, but security is compromised due to eavesdropping and tampering risks in non-full-mesh networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trusted node as an intermediary between the message-sending node and message-receiving node. This trusted node generates signature values using shared secret keys and transmits them to the receiving node, eliminating the need for direct quantum communication between end nodes while maintaining security. The intermediary approach allows existing QKD equipment to be used without requiring full-mesh direct connections.
2Reliability
If trusted center-based quantum entanglement method is used, then security is improved, but implementation difficulty increases and additional systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the quantum entanglement requirement from the trusted center-based method while retaining the security benefits. By using QKD-generated secret keys shared between the trusted node and communication nodes, the system achieves secure signatures without requiring quantum entanglement or additional quantum systems beyond standard QKD equipment.
3Reliability
If full-mesh network structure is required for secure direct communication, then security is maintained, but network adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the quantum communication function into two parts: key distribution (performed between trusted node and communication nodes using existing QKD equipment) and signature generation (performed by the trusted node using shared secret keys). This segmentation allows the system to work in tree networks and other non-full-mesh structures while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure according to at least one embodiment provides a quantum key distribution (QKD)-based quantum digital signature method using a trusted node, the QKD-based quantum digital signature method being performed by a trusted node. The method comprises sharing a first secret key with a message-sending node, sharing a second secret key with a message-receiving node, generating a first trusted-node signature by performing a partial QKD process together with the message-sending node, generating a second trusted-node signature by performing a partial QKD process together with the message-receiving node, and verifying a first message with the shared first and second secret keys and with the first and second trusted-node signatures.