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Híradástechnika/Infocommunications journal

Demonstrating BB84 Quantum Key Distribution in the Physical Layer of an Optical Fiber Based System

Márton Czermann, Péter Trócsányi, Z. Kis, Benedek Kovács, László Bacsárdi

Published Jan 1, 2021• 8 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Nowadays, widely spread encryption methods (e.g., RSA) and protocols enabling digital signatures (e.g., DSA, ECDSA) are an integral part of our life. Although recently developed quantum computers have low processing capacity, huge dimensions and lack of interoperability, we must underline their practical significance – applying Peter Shor’s quantum algorithm (which makes it possible to factorize integers in polynomial time) public key cryptography is set to become breakable. As an answer, symmetric key cryptography proves to be secure against quantum based attacks and with it quantum key distribution (QKD) is going through vast development and growing to be a hot topic in data security. This is due to such methods securely generating symmetric keys by protocols relying on laws of quantum physics.

DOI
10.36244/icj.2021.3.5

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Nowadays, widely spread encryption methods (e.g., RSA) and protocols enabling digital signatures (e.g., DSA, ECDSA) are an integral part of our life. Although recently developed quantum computers have low processing capacity, huge dimensions and lack of interoperability, we must underline their practical significance – applying Peter Shor’s quantum algorithm (which makes it possible to factorize integers in polynomial time) public key cryptography is set to become breakable. As an answer, symmetric key cryptography proves to be secure against quantum based attacks and with it quantum key distribution (QKD) is going through vast development and growing to be a hot topic in data security. This is due to such methods securely generating symmetric keys by protocols relying on laws of quantum physics.
Abstract— Quantum encryption represents a significant advancement over traditional encryption methods such as RSA and ECC. Unlike conventional algorithms, which can be compromised by quantum computing techniques like Shor’s and Grover’s algorithms, quantum encryption offers a fundamentally stronger security model. At the heart of this technology lies Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which leverages the laws of physics to ensure secure communication and enables early detection of any eavesdropping attempts. This document outlines the core principles of QKD, including superposition, entanglement, and the no-cloning theorem, along with widely adopted protocols such as BB84, E91, and CV-QKD. It also discusses implementation architectures, including fiber-based and satellite-based QKD systems. To strengthen security further, hybrid models that combine QKD with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) are emerging, offering layered protection for critical sectors. The document also addresses practical challenges such as hardware vulnerabilities, side-channel attacks, and scalability issues, along with recommended mitigation strategies. Global standards from organizations like ETSI and ITU are covering the way for interoperability and secure deployments worldwide. Operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Red Hat Linux, and cryptographic libraries like OpenSSL are now incorporating quantum-safe cryptography, demonstrating readiness for real-world applications. For researchers, enterprises, and policymakers, this evolution opens exciting opportunities in innovation, migration planning, and future-proof security strategies. Quantum encryption is not just a technological leap, it is a necessity for safeguarding our digital future. [1] [2] [3] [7] [10][11][12]13][14] [21]. Keywords—Quantum cryptography, QKD, BB84, E91, CV‑QKD, multi‑core fiber, PQC, ML‑KEM, ML‑DSA, ITU‑T Y.3800, ETSI GS QKD 014.
Modern-day secure communication is made possible via cryptography. Modern cryptographic algorithms are based on the process of factoring large integers into their primes, as they are intractable. But the cryptography we use nowadays is vulnerable to technological advances in computing power like quantum computing and evolution in math to quickly reverse one-way functions like factorization of large integers. Incorporating quantum physics concepts into cryptography is the answer, which results in an assessment of quantum cryptography. A unique type of cryptography known as quantum cryptography makes advantage of quantum mechanics to provide complete protection against the transmitted message. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), a random binary key distribution used in quantum cryptography, enables communication participants to recognize unauthorized listeners. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is likely the most advanced quantum technology currently accessible with full-stack systems already in use. This project’s goal is to develop secure and encrypted communication between the parties with the help of a web application using the BB84 protocol.
Secure communication plays a vital role now-a-days. Modern-day secure communication is made possible via cryptography. Modern cryptographic algorithms are based on the process of factoring large integers into their primes, as they are intractable. But the cryptography nowadays is vulnerable to technological advances in computing power like quantum computing and evolution in math to quickly reverse one-way functions like factorization of large integers. Incorporating quantum physics concepts into cryptography is the answer, which results in an assessment of quantum cryptography. A unique type of cryptography known as quantum cryptography makes advantage of quantum mechanics to provide complete protection against the transmitted message. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), a random binary key distribution used in quantum cryptography, enables communication participants to recognize unauthorized listeners. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is likely the most advanced quantum technology currently accessible with full stack systems already in use. This project’s goal is to develop secure and encrypted communication between the parties with the help of a web application using the BB84 protocol.
Increasing incidents of cyber attacks and evolution of quantum computing poses challenges to secure existing information and communication technologies infrastructure. In recent years, quantum key distribution (QKD) is being extensively researched, and is widely accepted as a promising technology to realize secure networks. Optical fiber networks carry a huge amount of information, and are widely deployed around the world in the backbone terrestrial, submarine, metro, and access networks. Thus, instead of using separate dark fibers for quantum communication, integration of QKD with the existing classical optical networks has been proposed as a cost-efficient solution, however, this integration introduces new research challenges. In this paper, we do a comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art QKD secured optical networks, which is going to shape communication networks in the coming decades. We elucidate the methods and protocols used in QKD secured optical networks, and describe the process of key establishment. Various methods proposed in the literature to address the networking challenges in QKD secured optical networks, specifically, routing, wavelength and time-slot allocation (RWTA), resiliency, trusted repeater node (TRN) placement, QKD for multicast service, and quantum key recycling are described and compared in detail. This survey begins with the introduction to QKD and its advantages over conventional encryption methods. Thereafter, an overview of QKD is given including quantum bits, basic QKD system, QKD schemes and protocol families along with the detailed description of QKD process based on the Bennett and Brassard-84 (BB84) protocol as it is the most widely used QKD protocol in the literature. QKD system are also prone to some specific types of attacks, hence, we describe the types of quantum hacking attacks on the QKD system along with the methods used to prevent them. Subsequently, the process of point-to-point mechanism of QKD over an optical fiber link is described in detail using the BB84 protocol. Different architectures of QKD secured optical networks are described next. Finally, major findings from this comprehensive survey are summarized with highlighting open issues and challenges in QKD secured optical networks.
Classical cryptographic systems are increasingly challenged by advances in computing power and new algorithmic techniques, particularly with the rise of quantum computing, which threatens the security of current encryption methods. This has spurred interest in quantum-resistant cryptography, aimed at creating algorithms that can withstand attacks from quantum computers. Traditionally, secure key transport over alternate channels has been a significant challenge, but quantum mechanics offers a solution. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a revolutionary method for secure communication that leverages quantum principles. Unlike traditional methods, QKD provides unconditional security, with key security ensured by the laws of physics rather than computational difficulty. The BB84 protocol, introduced in 1984 by Bennett and Brassard, is a leading QKD scheme known for its simplicity and effectiveness in generating eavesdropping-resistant cryptographic keys. It facilitates secure key transport over alternate channels. This documentation aims to advance QKD security by practically implementing and analyzing the BB84 protocol. Through detailed theoretical analysis, simulation studies, and experimental validation, the practical impacts, and limitations of BB84-based QKD systems are examined. Additionally, a practical implementation of quantum key distribution using a sudoku key demonstrates the process's simplicity and effectiveness. These findings are expected to pave new paths in the field of cryptanalysis in the emerging Quantum Age.
Cryptography is crucial to protect sensitive data. Traditional cryptography relies on mathematical difficulty to secure valuable data against intruders. However, with the rise of quantum computers, these assumptions are threatened as quantum computers can process information much faster. The security models need to be upgraded to withstand quantum computers. RSA and ECC, two common asymmetric cryptosystems, have been upgraded using post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Another solution might be to leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to ensure secure communication. The most common application of quantum cryptography is quantum key distribution (QKD), which solves the key exchange problem using quantum physics, complementing conventional cryptographic techniques by enabling secure key generation, while classical methods remain necessary for authentication and protocol implementation. QKD is secure in theory, but practical implementations often differ from theory due to imperfect devices. An intruder can find loopholes and vulnerabilities to attack the QKD systems and jeopardize its security. In this thesis, current knowledge of these attacks has been reviewed and simulated on two different QKD protocols. The simulations highlight the importance of researching the attacks and implementing countermeasures.