Method of performing authentication between network nodes
US8762728B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L9/0855
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of authentication between first (QNodeX) and second (QNodeY) network nodes within a network suitable for implementing quantum cryptography comprises steps in which the first and second nodes each generate a cryptographic hash ([MXY]AI, [MYX]AJ) of a message ([MXY], [MYX]) using respective authentication keys (AI, AJ) shared with a third network node (QNodeW). The messages may be those exchanged between the first and second nodes during agreement of a quantum key to be used between the nodes. An authentication key to be shared by the first and second nodes may be established using the quantum key. The invention therefore allows an authentication key to be established and shared between the first and second network nodes without direct physical intervention. Networks having large numbers of network nodes may be re-keyed following replacement or maintenance of a network node much more quickly and easily than is the case where re-keying is achieved by physically supplying shared authentication keys.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.