Sentinel synchronization method for enhancing QKD security
US7436961B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L9/12
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of improving the security of a QKD system is disclosed. The method includes sending synchronization (“sync”) signals from a first QKD station to the second QKD station over a sync signal channel and recording data relating to the arrival times of the sync signals at the second QKD station. The method also includes processing the arrival time data to discern between extra signals in the sync signal channel that were not sent by the first QKD station over the sync channel, and sync signals that were sent by the first QKD station over the sync channel. The method also includes sending an alarm signal when it is determined that extra signals in the sync channel could be due to an attack on the QKD system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.