The BB84 and S09 quantum key distribution protocols are designed to securely transmit large random binary keys. Here we use our mathematical model to compare the two in case of space-space satellite communication. We argue that on short range the S09 can be more efficient while on long range the BB84 is more preferable. The limit where the two protocols are equally effective is calculated and the effect of wavelength on the transmittance is also examined.
The BB84 and S09 quantum key distribution protocols are designed to securely transmit large random binary keys. Here we use our mathematical model to compare the two in case of space-space satellite communication. We argue that on short range the S09 can be more efficient while on long range the BB84 is more preferable. The limit where the two protocols are equally effective is calculated and the effect of wavelength on the transmittance is also examined.
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.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has emerged as a critical component of secure communication in the post-quantum era. This study provides a comparative security and performance analysis of leading QKD protocols—BB84, E91, and Continuous Variable QKD—using experimental and simulated data from terrestrial and satellite-based implementations. Key metrics such as secret key rate, bit error rate, and resistance to quantum attacks are analyzed. Regression and predictive modeling are used to quantify performance decay over distance and noise. The results indicate BB84's robustness and broad applicability, while CV-QKD offers throughput advantages in short-range networks. Keywords: Quantum Key Distribution, QKD, BB84, E91, Continuous Variable QKD, Cryptographic Security, Quantum Communication, Post-Quantum Security
Abstract The performance of single photon pulsed polarization based BB84 and B92 platforms against individual attacks for free space quantum optical communication links between a ground station and a satellite in the low earth orbit is compared. The comparison is attained by evaluating the quantum bit error rate and secure communication bit rate on secure optical link loss and the sensitivity of different parameters. Precisely, realistic experimental parameters are used and the obtained results are compared with those of other papers. Quantum bit error rates as low as 3.5% have been regularly obtained. Moreover, with repetition rate of 10MHz at the low earth orbit standard orbital altitude of 100 km and at zenith angle of 60 degrees, secure communication bit rates of ~ 280 kHz and ~ 70 kHz were received for the BB84 and B92, respectively. The obtained results show that the BB84 protocol exhibits better performance than B92 in the distribution of the secure communication key over long distance. Overall, these results reveal that it is possible to obtain secure key exchange in the low earth orbit, an idea which can be extended to other long distance laser links such as geostationary orbit.
Satellite-based quantum communication for secure key distribution is becoming a more demanding field of research due to its unbreakable security. Prepare and measure protocols such as BB84 consider the satellite as a trusted device, fraught with danger looking at the current trend for satellite-based optical communication. Therefore, entanglement-based protocols must be preferred since, along with overcoming the distance limitation, one can consider the satellite as an untrusted device too. E91 protocol is a good candidate for satellite-based quantum communication; but the key rate is low as most of the measured qubits are utilized to verify a Bell-CHSH inequality to ensure security against Eve. An entanglement-based protocol requires a maximally entangled state for more secure key distribution. The current work discusses the effect of non-maximality on secure key distribution. It establishes a lower bound on the non-maximality condition below which no secure key can be extracted. BBM92 protocol will be more beneficial for key distribution as we found a linear connection between the extent of violation for Bell-CHSH inequality and the quantum bit error rate for a given setup.
Satellite-based free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) provides a practical framework for achieving secure global communication beyond the limitations of optical fibers. In this work, the quantum bit error rate (QBER) and secure key rate of four representative protocols-BB84, B92, BBM92, and E91 are investigated over low earth orbit (LEO) links in both uplink and downlink configurations. The optical link is modeled using a Gaussian beam formalism, incorporating the effects of diffraction, pointing errors, atmospheric turbulence, and background noise contributions. The protocols are examined under day and night-time operating conditions, and their dependence on the zenith angle is analyzed. The findings show that downlink links generally exhibit lower QBER and higher secure key rates than uplinks, and among prepare-and-measure schemes, BB84 consistently outperforms B92, while in entanglement-based approaches, BBM92 achieves higher key rates than E91.
As the limitations of classical cryptographic systems become increasingly evident in the face of advancing quantum algorithms, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) emerges as a vital paradigm for securing information in next-generation networks. This paper explores the theoretical foundations and protocol architectures underpinning QKD, including BB84, E91, and newer hybrid approaches designed for scalable integration into existing infrastructures. Performance metrics such as key generation rate, error thresholds, and resistance to various attack models are critically examined across both fiber-optic and free-space implementations. Furthermore, the study delves into real-world deployment challenges—ranging from synchronization errors and quantum channel noise to cost-efficiency and interoperability with classical systems. By offering a comparative analysis and proposing optimization strategies, this work aims to pave the way for robust quantum-secure communication protocols suited for large-scale, heterogeneous network environments.