Quantum Key Distribution Protocols and Applications

Ramona Wolf

Jasper Rödiger, Ronald E. Freund, Nicolas Perlot +1 more

Quantum key distribution (QKD), the first applicable quantum technology, is able to distribute a secret key to two parties. This key can then be used as a one-time-pad for absolutely secure communication. The first QKD protocol was the polarization based BB84 protocol proposed in [1]. Since then many QKD protocols have been proposed and investigated [2, 3].

Masahiro Takeoka

Alan Mink, Sheila E. Frankel, Ray A. Perlner

We present an overview of quantum key distribution (QKD), a secure key exchange method based on the quantum laws of physics rather than computational complexity. We also provide an overview of the two most widely used commodity security protocols, IPsec and TLS. Pursuing a key exchange model, we propose how QKD could be integrated into these security applications. For such a QKD integration we propose a support layer that provides a set of common QKD services between the QKD protocol and the security applications.

Eleftherios Moschandreou

A. B. Manju, Akoramurthy Balasubramaniam, J. Jegan +2 more

Significant advancements in quantum key distribution (QKD) networks are transforming theoretical ideas into real-world applications. Conventional key exchange protocols rely on mathematical models, making key guessing methods time-consuming and irrational. The strength of these methods depends solely on the exchange procedure. Quantum key exchange methods overcome the mentioned issues by integrating quantum mechanics, which serve as replacements for conventional key exchange methods. The research aims to explore QKD and its applications. QKD protocols namely BB84, E91, and BBM92 are considered for comparison and analysis of their applicability in various network contexts and performance metrics. A detailed study examines the interfaces, negotiation protocols, and all requirements for secure key exchange methodologies. This paper surveys and analyses existing quantum key exchange methods and explores possibilities to enhance QKD protocols. QuNetSim is used for simulation the QKD protocols.