Year: 2024
Type: preprint
Abstract: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers provably secure, information-theoretic key exchange, but in long-distance scenarios without quantum repeaters, Trusted Nodes (TNs) are commonly employed despite introducing critical security risks. We propose a redundant key management method for QKD network that combines Twin Field QKD (TF-QKD) (or Measurement-Device Independent (MDI)-QKD) with a novel key-routing scheme to eliminate the need for truly trusted TNs. Quantum measurements are handled entirely within the network, minimizing end-user hardware requirements. Multiple QKD links connect intermediate nodes such that a successful attack requires the collusion of multiple adversarial nodes, greatly enhancing security over the traditional TN model. In this contribution, we discuss the tradeoff between security, key rates, and distances supported by the new method. Our analysis reveals that the improved redundant key management system may enable true end-to-end connectivity over several thousand kilometers while maintaining high security standards.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Chaudhary, Sumit, Calsi, Davide Li, Choi, JinHyeock, Geitz, Marc, Nötzel, Janis
Institutions: Technical University of Munich, Deutsche Telekom (Germany)
Language: English
Subfield: Artificial Intelligence
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G1305463392, Verbundprojekt: Quanten Drahtloses Campusnetzwerk - QD-CamNetz - , Teilvorhaben: TP-Boche: Quantenklassische Verbindungen, TP-Deppe: Quantenklassischen Verbindungsschicht Protokolle, TP-Nötzel: Quantenklassiche Simulations/Emulations-Plattform, Verbundprojekt: Digitale Transformation und Souveränität künftiger Kommunikationsnetze - 6G-life -, Teilvorhaben: Grundlagen und Systemlösungen für Post Shannon Kommunikation, In-Network Computing, eingebettete Sicherheit und Resilienz, G3690431148, G5018688533, G7472567491, Verbundprojekt: Quantentoken Theorie und Anwendungen - QTOK -, Teilvorhaben: Modellierung und Simulation für Quantentoken-basierte Authentifizierung und sichere Speicherung
OpenAlex ID: W4404988919