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International Conference on Informatics and Systems

Architecture of point to multipoint QKD communication systems (QKDP2MP)

Ahmed F. Metwaly, Magdi Z. Rashad, Fatma A. Omara, Adel A. Megahed

Published Jan 1, 2012• 12 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Most current implementations of quantum key distribution (QKD) are point-to-point systems with one sender transmitting to only one receiver. Development of these single-receiver systems has now reached a comparatively advanced stage. However, many communication systems operate in a point-to- multi-point (multiple-receiver) configuration rather than in point-to-point mode so it is crucial to demonstrate compatibility with this type of network in order to maximize the application range for QKD. In this paper, we suggest a proposed architecture of Point-to-Multipoint QKD (QKDP2MP) Systems and bow it will present in terms of QBB and Quantum layered Architecture.

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Most current implementations of quantum key distribution (QKD) are point-to-point systems with one sender transmitting to only one receiver. Development of these single-receiver systems has now reached a comparatively advanced stage. However, many communication systems operate in a point-to- multi-point (multiple-receiver) configuration rather than in point-to-point mode so it is crucial to demonstrate compatibility with this type of network in order to maximize the application range for QKD. In this paper, we suggest a proposed architecture of Point-to-Multipoint QKD (QKDP2MP) Systems and bow it will present in terms of QBB and Quantum layered Architecture.
Most existing realizations of quantum key distribution (QKD) are point-to-point systems with one source transferring to only one destination. Growth of these single-receiver systems has now achieved a reasonably sophisticated point. However, many communication systems operate in a point-to-multi-point (Multicast) configuration rather than in point-to-point mode, so it is crucial to demonstrate compatibility with this type of network in order to maximize the application range for QKD. Therefore, this chapter proposed architecture for implementing a multicast quantum key distribution Schema. The proposed architecture is designed as a Multicast Centralized Key Management Scheme Using Quantum Key Distribution and Classical Symmetric Encryption. In this architecture, a secured key generation and distribution solution has been proposed for a single host sending to two or more (N) receivers using centralized Quantum Multicast Key Distribution Centre and classical symmetric encryption.
Most existing realizations of quantum key distribution (QKD) are point-to-point systems with one source transferring to only one destination. Growth of these single-receiver systems has now achieved a reasonably sophisticated point. However, many communication systems operate in a point-to-multi-point (Multicast) configuration rather than in point-to-point mode, so it is crucial to demonstrate compatibility with this type of network in order to maximize the application range for QKD. Although encryption algorithms can be used to secure transmitted messages among group members, there are many security aspects for designing a secured multicast cryptosystem are needed to investigate. The most important aspects of multicasting are key generation and management. The researchers have proposed several approaches for solving problems of multicast key distribution and management. Therefore, we proposed four different architectures for implementing a multicast quantum key distribution with supportive protocols for generating and securing the transmitted messages among the communicated participants.
Abstract A point‐to‐point quantum key distribution (QKD) system takes advantage of the laws of quantum physics to establish secret keys between two communicating parties. Compared to the classical methods, such as public‐key infrastructures, QKD offers unconditional security, which makes it attractive for very high security applications. However, this unprecedent level of security is mitigated by the inherent constraints of quantum communications, such as the limited rates and ranges of an individual point‐to‐point QKD link. A QKD network, which can be built by combining multiple point‐to‐point QKD devices, can alleviate the constraints and enable point‐to‐multi‐point key distribution based on QKD technology. The European project, secure communication based on quantum cryptography (SeCoQC) aims at deploying a prototype QKD network, which will be demonstrated in September 2008, by developing the architecture and the protocols, as well as the specific hardware for long‐range QKD networks. This paper discusses the important aspects of the architecture and the network layer protocols of the SeCoQC QKD network. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abstract The fundamental architecture and functions of secure key management in a quantum key distribution (QKD) network with enhanced universal interfaces for smooth key sharing between arbitrary two nodes and enabling multiple secure communication applications are proposed. The proposed architecture consists of three layers: a quantum layer, key management layer and key supply layer. We explain the functions of each layer, the key formats in each layer and the key lifecycle for enabling a practical QKD network. A quantum key distribution-advanced encryption standard (QKD-AES) hybrid system and an encrypted smartphone system were developed as secure communication applications on our QKD network. The validity and usefulness of these systems were demonstrated on the Tokyo QKD Network testbed.
As a promising quantum application, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology has been rapidly developed from point-to-point communication to a large-scale commercial network. However, considering the cost of QKD components and network infrastructure, building a QKD network is challenged by its expensive capital expenditure, which significantly hinders its future popularization. In this article, we envision an evolution roadmap consisting of three stages for the future development of QKD networks, aiming at achieving a fully integrated network architecture that combines QKD and telecommunications networks. Powered by several critical technologies, such as link multiplexing, miniaturized QKD, and transmission optimization, QKD is foreseen to be integrated into telecommunications networks as an add-on module that can be flexibly deployed. After that, we introduce the integrated network architecture design in detail, and respectively provide four QKD-related function implementations. At last, key technologies that should be concerned and further investigated are also discussed with performance evaluation, which can provide theoretical guidance for both industries and academia. Based on the proposed roadmap and integrated architecture, we believe a scalable, easy-to-use, and affordable QKD service can be brought to current telecommunication networks, and extensively applied by ordinary people while using daily applications.
Similar to the Internet, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks typically have diverse participants, such as users, operators, and infrastructure builders. In order to achieve loose functional coupling, a multi-layer structure is frequently indispensable. Nevertheless, once the architecture of the QKD network is designed, further expansion and modification prove to be extremely challenging. To address this issue, a QKD network architecture based on virtual Quantum Key Distribution (VQKD) is proposed. In this architecture, all devices at both ends that are capable of providing consistent quantum keys are regarded as a pair of quantum key distribution devices. The bottom layer is real QKD, while all other layers are virtual QKD. All real and virtual QKDs provide quantum keys to the upper layers. This network structure is an iterative one, and theoretically, the number of layers in a quantum key distribution network can be infinitely increased based on actual needs. In this paper, we present a practical application case. This case addresses the actual needs of network operators, network service providers, and those involved in user network construction. We have designed a three-layer quantum secure communication network exchange structure that is suitable for network infrastructure developers, network operators, and those involved in user network construction. Network infrastructure developers, network operators, and users can carry out network construction, network operation, and user network construction at different network layers, realizing a loosely coupled hierarchical design of quantum secure communication networks. This model can dynamically increase or decrease the number of quantum network exchange layers based on actual needs, without affecting the network exchange of quantum secure communication networks, demonstrating strong versatility and adaptability.