The quantum network makes use of the quantum states to transmit data, which will revolutionize classical communication and allow for some breakthrough applications. The quantum key distribution (QKD) is one prominent application of quantum networks, and can protect the data transmission through quantum mechanics. In this work, we propose an expandable and cost-effective quantum access network, in which the round-trip structure makes quantum states travel in a circle to carry the information, and the multi-band technique is proposed to support multi-user access. Based on the round-trip multi-band quantum access network, we realize multi-user secure key sharing through the continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD) protocol. Due to the encoding characteristics of CV-QKD, the quadrature components in different frequency bands can be used to transmit key information for different users. The feasibility of this scheme is confirmed by comprehensive noise analysis, and is verified by a proof-of-principle experiment. The results show that each user can achieve excess noise suppression and 600 bps level secure key generation under 30 km standard fiber transmission. Such networks have the ability of multi-user access theoretically and could be expanded by plugging in simple modules. Therefore, it paves the way for near-term large-scale quantum secure networks.
The quantum network makes use of the quantum states to transmit data, which will revolutionize classical communication and allow for some breakthrough applications. The quantum key distribution (QKD) is one prominent application of quantum networks, and can protect the data transmission through quantum mechanics. In this work, we propose an expandable and cost-effective quantum access network, in which the round-trip structure makes quantum states travel in a circle to carry the information, and the multi-band technique is proposed to support multi-user access. Based on the round-trip multi-band quantum access network, we realize multi-user secure key sharing through the continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD) protocol. Due to the encoding characteristics of CV-QKD, the quadrature components in different frequency bands can be used to transmit key information for different users. The feasibility of this scheme is confirmed by comprehensive noise analysis, and is verified by a proof-of-principle experiment. The results show that each user can achieve excess noise suppression and 600 bps level secure key generation under 30 km standard fiber transmission. Such networks have the ability of multi-user access theoretically and could be expanded by plugging in simple modules. Therefore, it paves the way for near-term large-scale quantum secure networks.
The quantum network makes use of quantum states to transmit data, which will revolutionize classical communication and allow for some breakthrough applications. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is one prominent application of quantum networks, and can protect data transmission through quantum mechanics. In this work, we propose an expandable and cost-effective quantum access network, in which the round-trip structure makes quantum states travel in a circle to carry information, and the multi-band technique is proposed to support multi-user access. Based on the round-trip multi-band quantum access network, we realize multi-user secure key sharing through the continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD) protocol. Due to the encoding characteristics of CV-QKD, the quadrature components in different frequency bands can be used to transmit key information for different users. The feasibility of this scheme is confirmed by comprehensive noise analysis, and is verified by a proof-of-principle experiment. The results show that each user can achieve excess noise suppression and 600 bit/s level secure key generation under 30 km standard fiber transmission. Such networks have the ability of multi-user access theoretically and could be expanded by plugging in simple modules. Therefore, it paves the way for near-term large-scale quantum secure networks.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) networks are crucial for the development of quantum networks and the early stages of the quantum internet, enabling unconditional secure key distribution and guaranteeing data security. However, current QKD networks are still limited in their structure, and are hard to achieve super multi-user access due to high system costs associated with the original point-to-point QKD system. In this paper, we introduce two cost-effective continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD) access network schemes. The first one is a round-trip multi-band CV-QKD access network. Specifically, the frequency division multiplexing (FDM) technology is used to support multi-user access, and the round-trip optical architecture is adopted to realize low cost. As a result of the encoding properties of CV-QKD, different users can utilize the quadrature components in various frequency bands to transmit key information. The proposed network theoretically supports hundreds of users and can be easily expanded using simple equipment. The second one is a CV-QKD access network based on directed detection. With the help of the Kramers-Kronig relation, the receiver at the optical network unit can obtain the quadrature components just using a photodetector. Besides, it can also solve the practical issues in the plug-and-play structure. Compared with a quantum access network based on the point-to-point QKD system, these two schemes can provide cost-effective solutions for the subsequent large-scale verification and implementation of quantum access networks.
Quantum networks provide opportunities and challenges across a range of intellectual and technical frontiers, including quantum computation, communication, and others. Unlike traditional communication networks, quantum networks utilize quantum bits rather than classical bits to store and transmit information. Quantum key distribution (QKD) relying on the principles of quantum mechanics is a key component in quantum networks and enables two parties to produce a shared random secret key, thereby ensuring the security of data transmission. In this work, we propose a cost-effective quantum downstream access network structure in which each user can get their corresponding key information through terminal distribution. Based on this structure, we demonstrate the first four-end-users quantum downstream access network in continuous variable QKD with a local local oscillator. In contrast to point-to-point continuous variable QKD, the network architecture reevaluates the security of each user and accounts for it accordingly, and each user has a lower tolerance for excess noise as the overall network expands with more users. Hence, the feasibility of the experiment is based on the analysis of the theoretical model, noise analysis, and multiple techniques such as the particle filter and adaptive equalization algorithm used to suppress excess noise. The results show that each user can get a low level of excess noise and can achieve secret key rates of 546 kbps, 535 kbps, 522.5 kbps, and 512.5 kbps under a transmission distance of 10 km, respectively, with the finite-size block of 1×10 8 . This not only verifies the good performance but also provides the foundation for the future multi-user quantum downstream access networks.
Quantum secure communication technology, grounded in the principles of quantum mechanics, has revolutionized traditional cryptographic methods, which predominantly rely on mathematical algorithms and logical transformations. Quantum key distribution (QKD) facilitates the secure sharing of symmetric keys between legitimate parties, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of information in communication channels. Among various QKD schemes, continuous variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) has emerged as a viable alternative to the more established discrete variable quantum key distribution (DV-QKD). CV-QKD boasts several advantages, including straightforward deployment, reduced operational costs, and stable signal quality, positioning it as a significant component of the quantum communication landscape. Quantum noise stream cipher (QNSC) represents a technique that employs redundant data streams to encrypt plaintext. Notably, QNSC shares structural similarities with the optical path used in quantum key distribution, allowing for compatibility with existing QKD infrastructure. Furthermore, the keys generated through quantum key distribution ensure absolute security, enabling them to substitute the data streams produced by pseudo-random sequences traditionally used in classical encryption schemes. This substitution enhances the overall security framework of the quantum noise stream encryption approach. The quantum access network (QAN) extends quantum key distribution capabilities from point-to-point connections to point-to-multipoint configurations, thereby becoming an essential component of contemporary network architectures. By interlinking multiple end users with a network backbone, quantum access networks can seamlessly integrate with quantum key distribution protocols. This integration offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for user access to the network. Extensive experimental verifications have demonstrated the viability of downstream access networks, indicating that the merging of quantum access network structures with quantum stream encryption technologies can yield a comprehensive quantum experimental platform. On this platform, security keys are derived through quantum key distribution, which subsequently facilitates the encryption of plaintext information. Notably, experimental validations involving eight users have been successfully executed on this platform, underscoring its practical applicability and effectiveness.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) can theoretically accomplish unconditionally secure communication with the support of quantum mechanics. The point-to-point QKD system has already been well developed, and the focus of advanced research has shifted more toward QKD networks. However, it is still unclear how to achieve the maximum secret key rate within the limited physical bandwidth in QKD networks. In this paper, we propose an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing continuous-variable QKD access network (CV-QAN), which improves the bandwidth utilization efficiency to the Nyquist limit. Specifically, each quantum network unit prepares a carrier-modulated Gaussian-modulated coherent state so that they become orthogonal in the frequency domain when received by the quantum line terminal. Crosstalk arising from the multi-path effect among multi-mode quantum states was effectively suppressed through the implementation of a cyclic prefix. In this theory, we have demonstrated the feasibility of this scheme through the continuous-mode Gaussian information theory. In this experiment, we conducted a local local oscillator (LLO) CV-QAN experiment within the existing passive optical network architecture. The network capacity of CV-QAN is 7, and the secret key rate of each user reaches 4.06 and 0.87 Mbps at 25 km in the asymptotic case and the finite-size effect, respectively. This achievement has established an efficient and simple QAN based on digital signal processing, laying the foundation for the practicality and commercialization of large-scale quantum networks.
Quantum key distribution (QKD), which enables the secure distribution of symmetric keys between two legitimate parties, is highly useful in future network security. An access network that connects multiple end users with one network backbone can be combined with QKD to build security for end users in a scalable and cost-effective way. In this paper, we show that a downstream-access network can be implemented using continuous-variable (CV) QKD. The security analysis is conducted independently with other network nodes, which greatly relax the trustfulness requirement on the network nodes. The security is then obtained against other network parties even when the quantum signals are broadcast throughout the network. The passive beam splitter is sufficient to deterministically distribute the quantum signals, and standard CV QKD systems can be directly fitted in the downstream-access network, which makes it more applicable for practical implementations. Numerous simulation results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the CV QKD downstream-access network, where up to 64 end users are shown to be feasible to access the network. We provide the security-analysis framework for realizing CV QKD in the downstream-access network, which will boost the diversity for constructing practical CV QKD networks.