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Journal of Modern Optics

Multi-user Quantum Cryptography on Optical Networks

Simon J. D. Phoenix, Stephen Mark Barnett, Paul D. Townsend, Keith J. Blow

Published Jun 1, 1995• 97 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Quantum cryptography has been shown to be an effective technology for the secure distribution of keys on point-to-point optical links. We show how the existing techniques can be extended to allow multi-user secure key distribution on optical networks. We demonstrate that using network configurations typical of those found in passive optical network architectures any of the current quantum key distribution protocols can be adapted to implement secure key distribution from any user to any other user. An important feature of these adapted protocols is that the broadcaster, or service provider on the network, does not have to be trusted by the two users who wish to establish a key.

DOI
10.1080/09500349514551001

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Quantum cryptography has been shown to be an effective technology for the secure distribution of keys on point-to-point optical links. We show how the existing techniques can be extended to allow multi-user secure key distribution on optical networks. We demonstrate that using network configurations typical of those found in passive optical network architectures any of the current quantum key distribution protocols can be adapted to implement secure key distribution from any user to any other user. An important feature of these adapted protocols is that the broadcaster, or service provider on the network, does not have to be trusted by the two users who wish to establish a key.
Quantum cryptography has been shown to be an effective technique for the secure distribution of cryptographic keys on point-to-point communication links. The authors describe adaptations of the existing quantum cryptography protocols and equipment configurations that allow secure key distribution to be performed on a variety of multiuser passive optical network (PON) architectures. These adaptations enable the network controller on the PON to distribute individual secret keys to each user on the network, and hence to securely encrypt and authenticate subsequent data transmissions broadcast on the network.
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.
Quantum cryptography applies the uncertainty principle and the no-cloning theorem of quantum mechanics to provide ultra-secure encryption key distribution between two parties. Present quantum cryptography technologies provide encryption key distribution between two parties. However, practical implementations encryption key distribution schemes require establishing secure quantum communications amongst multiple users. In this talk, we survey some of the state of the art quantum encryption deployment in communication networks. We will also discuss some common topologies that are being considered for multi-user quantum encryption networks. The performance of the multi-user quantum key distribution systems is then compared for four different optical network topologies: the Sagnac-based fiber ring, the wavelength routed, the passive star and the bus network. Their performances are compared and analyzed using quantum bit error rate analysis.
The performance of four passive optical network topologies in implementing multi-user quantum key distribution is compared, using 3 protocols proposed by quantum cryptography (B92, EPR, SSP). The networks considered are the passive-star network, the optical-ring network based on the Sagnac interferometer, the wavelength-routed network, and the wavelength-addressed bus network . An analysis of the quantum bit-error rate and sifted key rate for each of these topologies is used to determine their suitability for providing quantum key distribution-service to networks of various sizes. The efficiency of the three considered protocols is also determinated.
Quantum cryptography applies the uncertainty principle and the no-cloning theorem to allow to parties to share a secret key over an ultra-secure link. Present quantum cryptography technologies provide encryption key distribution only between two users. However, practical implementations of encryption key distribution schemes require establishing secure quantum communications amongst multiple users. This paper looks at some of the advantages and drawbacks of some common network topologies that could be used in sending cryptographic keys across a network consisting of multiple users. These topologies are the star, ring, and bus networks. Their performances are compared and analyzed using quantum bit error rate analysis. The paper also presents an experimental demonstration of a six-user quantum key distribution network implemented on a bus topology.
Dense wavelength division multiplexing optical networks transport a huge aggregate traffic exceeding Tbps per single fiber, and passive optical network technology has been extended to include the residential and enterprise network layer with fiber-to-the premises. Because this network allows for multimedia and extremely high data rates to end-users, optical communications security is important not only on the client and the node management layers, but also on the physical layer. Thus, cyber-security becomes also important in optical networks, including unbreakable cipher keys, cipher key distribution, identification of malicious actors, source authentication, physical link signature, and countermeasure strategies. In this paper we overview the security of the WDM optical network. We discuss advanced cryptographic methods that stem from quantum mechanics, known as quantum cryptography, and we identify specific vulnerabilities. We also look into the security of the next-generation optical network.