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Performance Guarantees in Quantum Key Distribution Networks

Fengyou Sun, Yuming Jiang

Published Dec 1, 2017• 2 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This paper aims to present a mathematical tool useful for quantum key distribution network configuration. In particular, the paper studies the throughput of secret key distribution in a quantum key distribution network with trusted repeaters. In addition, the backlog of secret keys at a trusted repeater is also investigated. The analysis is based on the queueing principle of secret keys in the trusted repeater, implied by that the transmission of secret keys in the network is store-and-forward. The obtained results are applied to a discrete-variable protocol with weak coherent pulse sources, where realistic system parameters are integrated in the analysis. It is shown that, if the secret key rates on the transmission path are different, the transient throughput of secret key distribution through the network also vary, located between an upper bound and a lower bound of the secrete key distribution rate.

DOI
10.1109/glocomw.2017.8269074

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This paper aims to present a mathematical tool useful for quantum key distribution network configuration. In particular, the paper studies the throughput of secret key distribution in a quantum key distribution network with trusted repeaters. In addition, the backlog of secret keys at a trusted repeater is also investigated. The analysis is based on the queueing principle of secret keys in the trusted repeater, implied by that the transmission of secret keys in the network is store-and-forward. The obtained results are applied to a discrete-variable protocol with weak coherent pulse sources, where realistic system parameters are integrated in the analysis. It is shown that, if the secret key rates on the transmission path are different, the transient throughput of secret key distribution through the network also vary, located between an upper bound and a lower bound of the secrete key distribution rate.
The use of quantum key distribution (QKD) to improve security may impact the quality of service (Qos) of high rate classical data links. The key generation process with an empty buffer can be modeled as a queuing system, and data throughput limits can be determined using queueing theory to assess the impact on the QoS. The proposed key generation model is based on an on-demand paradigm. Based on the results of this study, a discrete variable (DV)-QKD-secured link could be designed using the data rate bounds to guarantee a given QoS. Furthermore, we validate the derived bounds by comparing the theoretical derivations with simulations. We show that in a one-time-pad system, the achievable throughput approaches 0.59 times the secret key rate as the key length increases. In the case of a key scheme with key reuse, the throughput is asymptotically linear with the number of key reuses, and the slope of the curve corresponds to the secret key rate multiplied by a function of the protocol and channel characteristics. The analysis is carried out on optical fiber and free-space links.
The device-independent approach to quantum key distribution (QKD) aims to establish a secret key between two or more parties with untrusted devices, potentially under full control of a quantum adversary. The performance of a QKD protocol can be quantified by the secret key rate, which can be lower bounded via the violation of an appropriate Bell inequality in a setup with untrusted devices. We study secret key rates in the device-independent scenario for different quantum repeater setups and compare them to their device-dependent analogon. The quantum repeater setups under consideration are the original protocol by Briegel et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 5932 (1998)] and the hybrid quantum repeater protocol by van Loock et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 240501 (2006)]. For a given repeater scheme and a given QKD protocol, the secret key rate depends on a variety of parameters, such as the gate quality or the detector efficiency. We systematically analyze the impact of these parameters and suggest optimized strategies.
The feasibility of trust-free long-haul quantum key distribution (QKD) networks is addressed. We combine measurement-device-independent QKD (MDI-QKD), as an access technology, with a quantum repeater setup, at the core of future quantum communication networks. This will provide a quantum link none of whose intermediary nodes need to be trusted, or, in our terminology, a trust-free QKD link. As the main figure of merit, we calculate the secret key generation rate when a particular probabilistic quantum repeater protocol is in use. We assume the users are equipped with imperfect single photon sources, which can possibly emit two single photons, or laser sources to implement decoy-state techniques. We consider apparatus imperfection, such as quantum efficiency and dark count of photodetectors, path loss of the channel, and writing and reading efficiencies of quantum memories. By optimizing different system parameters, we estimate the maximum distance over which users can share secret keys when a finite number of memories are employed in the repeater setup.
The feasibility of trust-free long-haul quantum key distribution (QKD) is addressed. We combine measurement-device-independent QKD, as an access technology, with a quantum repeater setup, at the core of future quantum communication networks. This will provide a quantum link none of whose intermediary nodes need to be trusted, or, in our terminology, a trust-free QKD link. As the main figure of merit, we calculate the secret key generation rate when a particular probabilistic quantum repeater protocol is in use. We assume the users are equipped with imperfect single photon sources, which can possibly emit two single photons, or laser sources to implement decoy-state techniques. We consider apparatus imperfection, such as quantum efficiency and dark count of photodetectors, path loss of the channel, and writing and reading efficiencies of quantum memories. By optimizing different system parameters, we estimate the maximum distance over which users can share secret keys when a finite number of memories are employed in the repeater setup.