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Computers, materials & continua/Computers, materials & continua (Print)

TQKD: A More Efficient QKD Network Based on Homomorphic Encryption Technology

Tianhua Lin, Sijiang Xie, Yalong Yan, Jianguo Xie, Ang Liu

Published Jan 1, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides unconditional security but relies on repeaters to extend coverage, thereby introducing repeater trust risks—compromised repeaters may leak keys. Brakerski/Fan-Vercauteren scheme (BFV)... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on Tech Science Press
DOI
10.32604/cmc.2026.075573

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In order to investigate quantum-resilient encrypted computation, we create and assess a prototype framework that combines a simulated BB84 quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol with the Brakerski–Fan–Vercauteren (BFV) homomorphic encryption scheme. We benchmark encrypted polynomial evaluations under identical parameter settings using Qiskit-based BB84 simulation and Microsoft SEAL for BFV, contrasting a pure-BFV baseline with the integrated BFV+QKD workflow. The hybrid design achieves comparable end-to-end latency, stable ciphertext sizes, and correct decryption across all tested parameter sets in our experiments on a single commodity server, suggesting that it is possible to integrate QKD-derived session keys for evaluation-key protection in this setting without incurring prohibitive overhead. These findings are restricted to single-node experiments and idealized QKD simulation; they do not account for physical quantum channels, network latency, or large-scale multi-tenant deployments, which are left for future research. The evaluation is conducted under an honest-but-curious server model and an idealized BB84 simulation, and does not provide a composable security proof of the integrated QKD–HE workflow.
• Zero-trust relay for QKD networks using homomorphic encryption on conventional hardware • External QRNG integration to enhance crypto-agility in embedded random key generation • An extra confidentiality layer through the integration of cryptographic hardware Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables unconditionally secure symmetric key exchange between parties. However, terrestrial fibre-optic links face inherent distance constraints due to quantum signal degradation. Traditional solutions to overcome these limits rely on trusted relay nodes, which perform intermediate re-encryption of keys using one-time pad (OTP) encryption. This approach, however, exposes keys as plaintext at each relay, requiring significant trust and stringent security controls at every intermediate node. These “trusted” relays become a security liability if compromised. To address this issue, we propose a zero-trust relay design that applies fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) to perform intermediate OTP re-encryption without exposing plaintext keys, effectively mitigating the risks associated with potentially compromised or malicious relay nodes. Additionally, the architecture enhances crypto-agility by incorporating external quantum random number generators, thus decoupling key generation from specific QKD hardware and reducing vulnerabilities tied to embedded key-generation modules. The solution is designed with the existing European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) QKD standards in mind, enabling straightforward integration into current infrastructures. Its feasibility has been successfully demonstrated through a hybrid network setup combining simulated and commercially available QKD equipment. The proposed zero-trust architecture thus significantly advances the scalability and practical security of large-scale QKD networks, greatly reducing reliance on fully trusted infrastructure.
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.
Quantum Key Distribution seems very promising as it offers unconditional security, that’s why it is being implemented by the tech giants of the networking industry and government. Having quantum phenomenon as a backbone, QKD protocols become indecipherable. Here we have focused on the complexities of quantum key distribution and how this technology has contributed to secure key communication. This article gives an updated overview of this technology and can serve as a guide to get familiar with the current trends of quantum cryptography.