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A Protocol for Secret Key Infusion from Satellite Transmissions

Mohamed Ridza Wahiddin, Noor Shamila Shanaz, Noor Sham, Magdy M. Saeb, Mior Hadi, Moussa Ali Hamdan

Published Jan 1, 2010• 2 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Abstract: In symmetric encryption systems, secure messages are exchanged with the encrypted message sent over a public channel and the key over a secure channel. Quantum key distribution is an alternative method to share a common key without having to transmit the key. However, it is still in the development stage and possibly proves to be expensive and impractical in the foreseen future. It is useful to have a cheaper and simpler protocol to locally generate the secret key at the sender and receiver locations. In this work, we propose the capturing of bits from an external source such as a radio or a satellite digital transmission to locally generate a mutual key. We introduce a synchronization technique and a framework to ensure that both parties will be receiving the same bit string. The protocol stages include a synchronizing bit-pattern, capturing a bit string and then processing it. The resulting pseudo random bit string is then hashed to provide the required key. The nature of the signal, the vast selection of the timeframe, the downloading sequence, the various source stations and other parameters ensure eavesdropping to be exceedingly unmanageable.

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Quantum cryptography is based on quantum mechanics to guarantee secure communication.It allows two parties to produce a shared random bit string known only to them.These random bits can be used as a key to encrypt and decrypt messages.The most important and unique property of quantum cryptography is the ability of the two communicating users to detect the presence of any third party trying to gain knowledge of the key.It is based on fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics.By using quantum entanglement or quantum super positions and transmitting information in quantum states, a communication system can be implemented which detects eavesdropping.Quantum cryptography is used to produce and distribute a key, not to transmit any message data.This key along with certain encryption algorithm, is used to encrypt (and decrypt) a message, which can then be transmitted over a standard communication channel.This paper concentrates on comparison between classical and quantum cryptography as well as survey on various quantum key distribution protocols used to generate and distribute the key among communicating parties.

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Abstract: In symmetric encryption systems, secure messages are exchanged with the encrypted message sent over a public channel and the key over a secure channel. Quantum key distribution is an alternative method to share a common key without having to transmit the key. However, it is still in the development stage and possibly proves to be expensive and impractical in the foreseen future. It is useful to have a cheaper and simpler protocol to locally generate the secret key at the sender and receiver locations. In this work, we propose the capturing of bits from an external source such as a radio or a satellite digital transmission to locally generate a mutual key. We introduce a synchronization technique and a framework to ensure that both parties will be receiving the same bit string. The protocol stages include a synchronizing bit-pattern, capturing a bit string and then processing it. The resulting pseudo random bit string is then hashed to provide the required key. The nature of the signal, the vast selection of the timeframe, the downloading sequence, the various source stations and other parameters ensure eavesdropping to be exceedingly unmanageable.
The secure distribution of the secret random bit sequences known as 'key' material, is an essential precursor to their use for the encryption and decryption of confidential communications. Quantum cryptography is a new technique for secure key distribution with single-photon transmissions: Heisenberg's uncertainty principle ensures that an adversary can neither successfully tap the key transmissions, nor evade detection (eavesdropping raises the key error rate above a threshold value). We have developed experimental quantum cryptography systems based on the transmission of non- orthogonal photon polarization states to generate shared key material over line-of-sight optical links. Key material is built up using the transmission of a single-photon per bit of an initial secret random sequence. A quantum-mechanically random subset of this sequence is identified, becoming the key material after a data reconciliation stage with the sender. We have developed and tested a free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) system over an outdoor optical path of approximately 1 km at Los Alamos National Laboratory under nighttime conditions. Results show that free-space QKD can provide secure real-time key distribution between parties who have a need to communicate secretly. Finally, we examine the feasibility of surface to satellite QKD.
Quantum key distribution is a sub topic under quantum cryptography where two parties distribute a shared random bit string known only to them and which can be used as a key to encrypt and decrypt messages. This paper proposes a novel method of QKD to distribute the secret key. The basic concept of QKD remains the same but the process by which the key is exchanged between the two parties is different and is much more secure than the existing QKD protocols. The proposed method exploits the concept of hamming weight.
Quantum key distribution (QKD), the technology to generate distant secure keys for later usage in secure communication, has become a mature topic since the 1980s. While terrestrial QKD over fiber networks is suitable for short-distance urban networks, QKD via satellites promises to gap the distance requirement on a global scale that limits terrestrial QKD. Satellite QKD requires the exchange of quantum states between a satellite and multiple ground stations. The goal is then to facilitate shared secret keys between the ground stations, which can then be relayed to users near the ground stations. The satellite usually carries the quantum sources as its payload and sends them to the ground station via a downlink. The QKD protocol is heavily influenced by the choice of the quantum source, with typically one of two types: approximate single photon source (such as a weak laser) or an entangled source. Similarly, the ground station must be equipped to receive, measure and process the quantum signals sent by the satellite. Although there are also reverse schemes, where the satellite acts as the receiver and the ground station as the sender, these schemes are less explored due to higher noise in the uplink and less engineering experience. As with any system containing a high heterogeneity, many different implementation schemes lead to a variety of optimized use cases based on different criteria. Satellite QKD carries the further complication that it must be adapted to international standards. In this paper we present different satellite and ground station architectures that lean on the developments in the projects EAGLE-1, QUBE, QuNET, RoGloQuaN, addressing different protocols, sources, satellite sizes and telescope sizes. We also discuss the need for agility and configuration of components in a heterogeneous environment.
In quantum key distribution (QKD) single-photon transmissions generate the shared, secret random number sequences, known as cryptographic keys that are used to encrypt and decrypt secret communications. Because the security of QKD is based on principles of quantum physics an adversary can neither successfully tap the key transmissions, nor evade detection (eavesdropping raises the key error rate above a threshold value). We have developed an experimental QKD system that uses the four-state BB84 protocol with non-orthogonal photon polarization states and lowest-order adaptive optics to generate shared key material over multi-kilometer atmospheric, line-of-sight paths. I will present results of a daylight demonstration of this system. Key material is built up using the transmission of a photon-pulse per bit of an initial secret random sequence. I will describe the design and operation of the system, present an analysis of the system's security, efficiency, error rate, and secret key rate, as well as cryptographic testing of the key bits produced. I will describe the prospects for longer-distance applications of free-space QKD, particularly for satellite communications.
Quantum key distribution is now a mature quantum communication protocol which allows the verifiably secure sharing of encryption keys between two communicating parties. It seeks to address potential vulnerabilities of data transmission and storage, offering a realistic possibility to share encryption keys which are robust to eavesdropping attacks and future-proof against hacking. Fibre-optic implementations of quantum key distribution currently have a limited practical transmission distance, of less than 400 km, making commercial applications limited. Quantum-specific amplifier/repeater technology is not yet mature enough to increase the transmission distance to achieve global capabilities. Optical fiber is also impractical and expensive for applications where a remote area or moving platform are involved. In recent years, long-distance free-space quantum communications using low-Earth orbit satellites has seen an increase in interest from the academic community as well as from industrial organisations and national research institutes. The source of this new interest was a series of proof-of-principle demonstrations of satellite-based quantum key distribution in 2017. The use of free-space channels implementing airborne or satellite platforms also opens a range of new applications for quantum communications, as they allow coverage of remote areas, moving platforms, and also avoid the requirement of spooling fibre through volatile regions. This presentation will give a general introduction to satellite-based quantum communications, an overview of the field, and discuss future endeavours. The talk will also include an overview of our research into novel photonic technology, such as the use of detector array technology, for the optical ground station receiver.
Quantum cryptography is based on quantum mechanics to guarantee secure communication.It allows two parties to produce a shared random bit string known only to them.These random bits can be used as a key to encrypt and decrypt messages.The most important and unique property of quantum cryptography is the ability of the two communicating users to detect the presence of any third party trying to gain knowledge of the key.It is based on fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics.By using quantum entanglement or quantum super positions and transmitting information in quantum states, a communication system can be implemented which detects eavesdropping.Quantum cryptography is used to produce and distribute a key, not to transmit any message data.This key along with certain encryption algorithm, is used to encrypt (and decrypt) a message, which can then be transmitted over a standard communication channel.This paper concentrates on comparison between classical and quantum cryptography as well as survey on various quantum key distribution protocols used to generate and distribute the key among communicating parties.