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IEEE International Conference on Communication, Networks and Satellite (COMNETSAT)

Examining quantum key distribution protocols in laser based satellite communications

László Bacsárdi, Andras Kiss, Máté Galambos, Sándor Imre

Published Jul 1, 2012• 5 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Quantum communications offers secure and reliable key distribution protocols. The quantum solutions can be used in laser based satellite communications. However, many different physical parameters need to be taken into account to model a free-space optical channel. To complete the determination of e.g., the Quantum Bit Error Rate, a series of derived procedures are needed to execute, which has high complexity. An ideal solution is to place the calculations for simulation software, which issues all of the interpretable information about the properties of the communication channel. We created a free-space optical Earth-space channel model, developed a simulator and modeled the behavior of three quantum key distribution protocols for a given parameter set.

DOI
10.1109/comnetsat.2012.6380803

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Quantum communications offers secure and reliable key distribution protocols. The quantum solutions can be used in laser based satellite communications. However, many different physical parameters need to be taken into account to model a free-space optical channel. To complete the determination of e.g., the Quantum Bit Error Rate, a series of derived procedures are needed to execute, which has high complexity. An ideal solution is to place the calculations for simulation software, which issues all of the interpretable information about the properties of the communication channel. We created a free-space optical Earth-space channel model, developed a simulator and modeled the behavior of three quantum key distribution protocols for a given parameter set.
The quantum based satellite communication offers a secure way for key distribution which is essential for symmetric keys based transmi ssion. For modeling this type of communication, we created a mathematical model which is based on the behavior of singlephoton sources and detectors and on the losses orig inated from beam spreading and pointing error. Based on this model, we developed a simulator software to study the quantum communication over space-space links, e.g., between two satellites. We analyzed the performance of three quantum key distribution protocols—BB84, B92, S09—on different space-space links. Two of the main parameters during the analysis were the size of the necessary aperture for a successful space-space communication and the length of the communication channel. Our results show that the three mentioned QKD protocols are feasible when using satellite-satellite links.
Abstract Quantum computing offers revolutionary solutions in the field of computer sciences, applying the opportunities of quantum physics which are incomparably richer than classical physics. Although quantum computers are going to be the tools of the far future, there are already a few algorithms to solve problems which are very difficult to handle with traditional computers. Perhaps the easiest example of a structure of a quantum system is a quantum channel. Typically, one is interested in some basis in the Hilbert space representing the input of a channel, which is entangled with a second Hilbert space representing the environment, and then another (possibly the same) basis for the first space at a later time. Free-space quantum key distribution (QKD)—over an optical path of about 30 cm—was first introduced in 1991, and recent advances have led to demonstrations. Indeed there are certain key distribution problems in this category for which free-space QKD has practical advantages (for example it is not practical to send a courier to a satellite). Quantum computing algorithms can be used to affirm our communication in several ways (open-air communication, satellite communications, satellite broadcast, satellite-satellite communication). We set up a free-space quantum-channel-model at the university and made several simulations. The main aim is to trace some adoptable algorithms in the communication between Earth and the satellite and also between satellites. This paper is a theoretical study to compare the simulation results of the three models.
The article analyzes the main trends in the field of optimization of information transmission processes using quantum methods. It is shown that numerical modeling of satellite optical communication systems is necessary in order to determine the most effective modes and parameters of communication equipment. This article is devoted to the problem of developing a software package for calculating the characteristics of a communication channel between a ground station and an artificial Earth satellite. A detailed description of the basic functions of the developed software package for calculating the characteristics of an Earth-satellite optical communication channel protected by QKD technology is presented. Based on numerical modeling using the developed software package, a comprehensive study of the influence of atmospheric losses, as well as various parameters of the receiving and transmitting equipment of both the ground station and the satellite, is carried out. In particular, when modeling the efficiency of satellite quantum key distribution and an optical communication channel, atmospheric phenomena such as refraction, absorption, aerosol scattering, as well as the parameters of the QKD equipment were taken into account. Modeling revealed the need to take into account many aspects to achieve maximum efficiency of the QKD in real conditions. It is shown that the developed software for flexible modeling of various scenarios for using atmospheric optical communications opens up new opportunities for research and practical application of quantum technologies in the field of information security, which is important for data protection in the face of growing cybersecurity threats. It is shown that the capabilities of the developed software package can contribute to the creation of standardized approaches to assessing and improving quantum key distribution systems.
This work presents a model to estimate the performance of space-based, optical-based, quantum communication protocols. This model consists of components to account for optical channel propagation effects based on orbit selection and atmospheric conditions. The model presented is general purpose and can be leveraged to evaluate the performance of a variety of quantum communication protocols, of which, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems served as our motivating use case of particular interest. To verify correctness, the model is used to produce estimates for QKD system scenarios and compared to published results. The performance of QKD systems is of interest as distance limitations for terrestrial-based systems have hindered their practical use, and satellite-based designs that can generate a shared key between two distant geographic locations have been proposed. For this application domain, a review of space-based designs that illuminate the need for a free space downlink channel model is presented followed by its development to estimate the performance of quantum exchanges between a satellite and ground site.
Satellite based quantum key distribution (QKD) enables the delivery of keys for quantum secure communications over long distances. Maturity of the technology as well as industrial interest keep increasing. So does the technology readiness of satellite free-space optical communications. A satellite QKD system comprises a quantum communication subsystem and a classical communication subsystem (public channel). Both are implemented with free-space optics. Thus, in satellite QKD system design, there are strong synergies that should be exploited as much as possible and lead to an all-optical satellite QKD system. In this paper, we present a system like this locating all optical channels in ITU DWDM C-band. We focus on the overall conceptual design and the setup of the optical channels for quantum and classical signal transmission. The system description addresses the breadboards of a transmitter laser terminal (Alice terminal), a receiver laser terminal, (Bob terminal), the public channel implementation, the interfaced QKD system and the deployed encryption system. The design basis for the Alice terminal is the laser terminal development OSIRISv3. The design basis for the Bob terminal is the ground station development THRUST. The later contains an adaptive optics correction to enable single mode fiber coupling. This enables the interfacing to almost arbitrary quantum receivers such as the Bob modules used in the described experiment. The public channel is composed of a bi-directional 1 Gbps IM/DD system and a MODEM that implements a proprietary waveform optimized for free-space channels. The system was experimentally analyzed in a field test in the framework of the German initiative QuNET which addresses the use case of quantum secure communication for authorities. The results of the experiment are used to model a feasible LEO satellite-ground link. Performance indicators such as quantum bit error rate and secure key rate of a potential mission are estimated analytically.
Due to the recent rapid growth of computing technologies, today's encrypted information based on classical computational complexities will soon no longer remain secure. Quantum cryptography, or quantum key distribution (QKD), relying on the physical laws of quantum mechanics, stands out as a more powerful cryptographic solution that enables the secret key to be shared securely over publicly unsecured communication channels in the presence of eavesdroppers. QKD can be possibly implemented over both optical fiber and free-space optical (FSO) links. Compared to optical fiber, FSO has the immediate advantage of flexibility and cost-effectiveness in terms of infrastructure deployment. More interestingly, recent advancements in satellite communications using FSO links promise the future of a global QKD network for highly secure applications. This paper reviews the development of QKD over FSO for both terrestrial and satellite channels, which highlights the most up-to-date QKD protocols. Owing to how the information is encoded, different QKD protocols are classified into technology-focused categories, where their properties are reviewed and compared. The feasibility of current QKD protocols is then investigated with respect to its specific application scenarios for terrestrial and satellite FSO links, equipped with results from both theoretical and experimental studies. Based on the latest free-space QKD achievements, novel perspectives for future developments and challenges to enhance the secrecy performance and reduce implementation cost are then summarized and comprehensively discussed. The potential combination of QKD and physical layer cryptography for the newly emerging wireless mobile communications networks involved with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is also introduced.