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arXiv:2001.00757

User-independent optical path length compensation scheme with sub-ns timing resolution for 1xN quantum key distribution network system

Park, Byung Kwon, Min Ki Woo, Yong‐Su Kim, Young‐Wook Cho, Sung Moon, Sang-Wook Han

Published Jan 3, 2020• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) networks constitute promising solutions for secure communication. Beyond conventional point-to-point QKD, we developed 1xN QKD network systems with a sub-ns resolution optical path length compensation scheme. With a practical plug-and-play QKD architecture and compact timing control modules based on a field programmable gate array (FPGA), we achieved long term stable operation of a 1x64 QKD network system. Using this architecture, 64 users can simultaneously share secret keys with one server, without using complex software algorithms and expensive hardware. We demonstrated the working of a 1x4 QKD network system using the fiber network of a metropolitan area.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.2001.00757

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Quantum key distribution (QKD) networks constitute promising solutions for secure communication. Beyond conventional point-to-point QKD, we developed 1xN QKD network systems with a sub-ns resolution optical path length compensation scheme. With a practical plug-and-play QKD architecture and compact timing control modules based on a field programmable gate array (FPGA), we achieved long term stable operation of a 1x64 QKD network system. Using this architecture, 64 users can simultaneously share secret keys with one server, without using complex software algorithms and expensive hardware. We demonstrated the working of a 1x4 QKD network system using the fiber network of a metropolitan area.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) networks constitute promising solutions for secure communication. Beyond conventional point-to-point QKD, we developed 1 × N QKD network systems with a sub-nanosecond resolution optical path length compensation scheme. With a practical plug-and-play QKD architecture and compact timing control modules based on a field-programmable gate array, we achieved long-term stable operation of a 1 × 64 QKD network system. Using this architecture, 64 users can simultaneously share secret keys with one server, without using complex software algorithms and expensive hardware. We demonstrated the workings of a 1 × 4 QKD network system using the fiber network of a metropolitan area.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) constitutes a symmetric secret key negotiation protocol capable of maintaining information-theoretic security. Given the recent advances in QKD networks, they have evolved from academic research to some preliminary applications. A QKD network consists of two or more QKD nodes interconnected by optical fiber or free space links. The secret keys are negotiated between any pair of QKD nodes, and then they can be delivered to multiple users in various areas for ensuring long-term protection and forward secrecy. We commence by introducing the QKD basics, followed by reviewing the development of QKD networks and their implementation in practice. Subsequently, we describe the general QKD network architecture, its elements, as well as its interfaces and protocols. Next, we provide an in-depth overview of the associated physical layer and network layer solutions, followed by the standardization efforts as well as the application scenarios associated with QKD networks. Finally, we discuss the potential future research directions and provide design guidelines for QKD networks.
A real-time quantum key distribution (QKD) system is developed in this paper. In the system, based on the feature of a field-programmable gate array, secure key extraction control and algorithm have been optimally designed to perform sifting, error correction, and privacy amplification altogether in real time. In the QKD experiment, information synchronization mechanism and high-speed classic data channel are designed to ensure the steady operation of the system. Decoy state and synchronous laser light source are used in the system, while the length of optical fiber between Alice and Bob is 20 km. With photons repetition frequency of 20 MHz, the final key rate could reach 17 kb/s. Smooth and robust operation is verified with 6 h continuous test and associated with encrypted voice communication test.
It is well known that optical access networks are able to provide high data rates over long distances and to a reasonable number of users. Security and privacy are always a challenge for public accessible network infrastructures. Especially in time-division multiplexing passive optical networks (TDM-PONs), in which the downstream signal is broadcasted to all users connected via the same wavelength channel in a shared fiber link, privacy can be a critical concern. Although encryption at the application layer can provide a high level of security, this can be achieved only if the encryption key distribution is perfectly save. On the other hand, encryption on the physical layer such as quantum cryptography or, more precisely, quantum key distribution (QKD) is a very promising approach to achieve secure communication. However, there remain several issues that have to be solved before the quantum cryptography reaches the maturity level needed for a cost effective implementation in practical networks. In this paper, we address quantum key distribution (QKD) over passive optical access networks, which is an enabling technology required to cost efficiently deploy practical quantum encrypted data communication in the access area. We study different methods to integrate QKD systems in conventional optical access networks and quantitatively evaluate their suitability for a potential implementation.
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