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arXiv:1201.3744 · Optics Express

Field test of classical symmetric encryption with continuous variables quantum key distribution

Paul Jouguet, Sébastien Kunz-Jacques, Thierry Debuisschert, Simon Fossier, Eleni Diamanti, Romain Alléaume, Rosa Tualle-Brouri, Philippe Grangier, Anthony Leverrier, Philippe Pache, Philippe Painchault

Published Jun 11, 2012• 121 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We report on the design and performance of a point-to-point classical symmetric encryption link with fast key renewal provided by a Continuous Variable Quantum Key Distribution (CVQKD) system. Our system was operational and able to encrypt point-to-point communications during more than six months, from the end of July 2010 until the beginning of February 2011. This field test was the first demonstration of the reliability of a CVQKD system over a long period of time in a server room environment. This strengthens the potential of CVQKD for information technology security infrastructure deployments.

DOI
10.1364/oe.20.014030

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We report on the design and performance of a point-to-point classical symmetric encryption link with fast key renewal provided by a Continuous Variable Quantum Key Distribution (CVQKD) system. Our system was operational and able to encrypt point-to-point communications during more than six months, from the end of July 2010 until the beginning of February 2011. This field test was the first demonstration of the reliability of a CVQKD system over a long period of time in a server room environment. This strengthens the potential of CVQKD for information technology security infrastructure deployments.
We demonstrate a proof-of-concept establishment of quantum-secure data transfer links in field trials at two locations in Denmark: on the campus of Technical University of Denmark in Lyngby and between power grid nodes owned and operated by Energinet in Odense. Several different links, implemented physically using optical ground wires, underground fibers as well as their combinations, were investigated. Coherent ‘quantum’ states at 1550 nm, prepared and measured using a semi-autonomous continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) prototype, were multiplexed in wavelength with ‘classical’ 100 Gbps encrypted data traffic from a pair of commercial layer-2 network encryption devices operating at around 1300 nm. Under the assumptions of real-time data processing, we estimate average secret key rates of 434.8, 148.6, and 78.3 kbps in the asymptotic limit for diverse channels with losses (at 1550 nm) of 4.1, 5.5, and 6.7 dB, respectively. The demonstrations permit an evaluation of the prototype’s tolerance to harsh field conditions and showcase that CVQKD can serve as an additional layer to protect sensitive network traffic propagating on insecure channels.
We demonstrate a proof-of-concept establishment of quantum-secure data transfer links in field trials at two locations in Denmark: on the campus of Technical University of Denmark in Lyngby and between power grid nodes owned and operated by Energinet in Odense. Several different links, implemented physically using optical ground wires, underground fibers as well as their combinations, were investigated. Coherent `quantum' states at 1550 nm, prepared and measured using a semi-autonomous continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) prototype, were multiplexed in wavelength with `classical' 100Gbps encrypted data traffic from a pair of commercial layer-2 network encryption devices operating at around 1300 nm. Under the assumptions of real-time data processing, we estimate average secret key rates of 434.8,148.6434.8, 148.6434.8,148.6, and 78.378.378.3 kbps in the asymptotic limit for diverse channels with losses (at 1550 nm) of 4.1, 5.5, and 6.7 dB, respectively. The demonstrations permit an evaluation of the prototype's tolerance to harsh field conditions and showcase that CVQKD can serve as an additional layer to protect sensitive network traffic propagating on insecure channels.
We report on what we believe is the first field implementation of a continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) network with point-to-point configuration. Four QKD nodes are deployed on standard communication infrastructures connected with commercial telecom optical fiber. Reliable key exchange is achieved in the wavelength-division-multiplexing CV-QKD network. The impact of a complex and volatile field environment on the excess noise is investigated, since excess noise controlling and reduction is arguably the major issue pertaining to distance and the secure key rate. We confirm the applicability and verify the maturity of the CV-QKD network in a metropolitan area, thus paving the way for a next-generation global secure communication network.
Summary form only given. Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) is a promising alternative to commonly used discrete-variable QKD protocols, because this technology can be implemented with standard telecom components and recent results suggest that it will be compatible with standard wavelength division multiplexed telecommunication networks [1]. Security proofs against general eavesdropping attacks are available for CVQKD protocols using Gaussian modulation [2], and field implementations over deployed telecommunication networks have been demonstrated over the past few years [3].Long-distance operation of CVQKD systems, however, has been hindered until now by the limited efficiency of the complex error-correction (or reconciliation) algorithms that are required to extract the secret key from the correlated data shared by Alice and Bob. We have designed high-efficiency error correcting-codes [4] allowing to extract an errorless secret key in a CVQKD protocol using a Gaussian modulation of coherent states and a homodyne detection system. These codes are available for a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios on a Gaussian noise channel with a binary modulation and can be combined with a multidimensional reconciliation method [5]. This improved reconciliation procedure considerably extends the secure range of a continuous-variable quantum key distribution with Gaussian modulation.
Secure communication is becoming increasingly important as the computing power of quantum computers grows. For some of today’s most widely used classical encryption methods, there is a quantum algorithm that can be used to crack them efficiently. It is therefore very important to be prepared for attackers who have such powerful quantum computers. One possible solution is the One-Time Pad symmetric-key encryption scheme, which requires both communicating parties to have the same key to work effectively. This is achieved in a secure and scalable way by quantum key distribution (QKD). The underlying quantum-mechanical phenomenona guarantee that the parties can detect an eavesdropper and therefore generate a key, that is only known to them. In this paper we present the first Hungarian continuous variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) system and its first test results, carried out on an optical line of a telecommunication operator. This is the first step towards providing QKD as a service in the future.