Multi-community network with quantum key distribution
US8885828B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L9/0855
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to an optical star network in which different communities of users, such as different businesses, are provided through use of quantum key distribution (QKD). At least one QKD device is located at the central hub of the star network and communicates with QKD devices at the endpoints to establish a separate quantum key, i.e. a cryptographic key established by QKD, with each endpoint. A separate key manager is provided for each different community and each key manager is arranged to use the appropriate quantum keys for endpoints within that community to deliver the same community key to each endpoint. This community key can be used by for encrypting network traffic between members of the same community with security. Traffic passing through the network switch is encrypted, but the community keys are not delivered via the switch and hence the switch an error in the switch does not compromise security.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.