Virtualized Quantum Key Distribution System for Multi-User Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quantum key distribution systems face challenges in providing cost-effective, customizable quantum key distribution and encryption services for multiple users, as they require expensive infrastructure and cannot offer varying quantum key distributions or encryption functions tailored to individual user requests.
Innovation Solution
A quantum key distribution system that virtualizes physical QKD devices, allowing multiple users to operate with different parameters and variations for photon transmission, error correction, privacy amplification, key management, and key use, enabling a single pair of physical QKD devices to provide multiple types of quantum key distribution and encryption functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a set of quantum key distribution devices is used to provide encryption keys for multiple applications, then the cost is reduced, but the system cannot provide different quantum key distributions or encryption functions tailored to individual user requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements virtualization technology to enable a single pair of physical QKD devices to function as multiple virtual QKD devices, each capable of providing different quantum key distribution functions and encryption algorithms tailored to different users' requirements, thereby achieving multi-functionality without increasing physical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functionality of the physical QKD devices into multiple virtual instances through virtualization, allowing each virtual QKD device to be independently configured with different parameters, algorithms, and security settings to meet specific user needs while sharing the same physical hardware resources
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical QKD devices are installed for each user, then customized quantum key distribution functions can be provided, but the cost and infrastructure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables one pair of physical QKD devices to serve multiple users by creating virtualized instances that can be independently configured with different quantum key distribution functions, algorithms, and security parameters, eliminating the need for separate physical devices for each user while maintaining full customization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple virtual QKD device instances onto a single pair of physical QKD devices, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple customized quantum key distribution services on shared physical infrastructure through resource virtualization and time-division multiplexing
3Ease of operation
If simple key allocation is used for multiple applications, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot provide different quantum key distributions or encryption functions for different users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration capabilities where virtual QKD devices can be created, modified, and deleted based on user requirements through software control, allowing the system to adapt to different functional needs without complex physical reconfiguration while maintaining ease of operation through automated management
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 reduces the cost of quantum key distribution and encryption services by allowing a single pair of physical QKD devices to serve multiple users with customized functions, enhancing flexibility and reducing the need for dedicated infrastructure for each user.
Implementation Method 1
Quantum key distribution uses the uncertainty principle, which is one of the basic quantum-mechanical principles, that photons used to share an encryption key change their physical state when observed.
Implementation Method 2
if an eavesdropper observes photons that contain encryption key information transmitted from the transmitting node on the quantum communication channel, the physical state of the photons is changed, and the receiving node that has received the photons can detect that the photons have been observed by the eavesdropper.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication device in embodiments is a quantum key distribution device connectable to another quantum key distribution device through a quantum communication channel to share an encryption key therebetween, and includes a common processing unit, one or more individual processing units, and a distribution unit. The common processing unit outputs intermediate data based on bit information obtained by transmitting or receiving sequence of photons with the another quantum key distribution device through the quantum communication channel. Each individual processing unit generates or provides the encryption key in accordance with the intermediate data. The distribution unit distributes the intermediate data that is output from the common processing unit to two or more distribution destination that include the individual processing units.