Basics of Quantum Key Distribution

Information is a crucial resource for every organization worldwide. Investment in IT security is rising, with more organizations adopting cloud solutions to handle daily operations, from data storage to running virtual desktops. Key organizational priorities include protecting intellectual property, critical infrastructure, customer information, and capital management. As computer networks expand, the likelihood of cyber-attacks and data breaches is expected to grow. One of the most challenging data security breaches to detect is eavesdropping, also called sniffing or snooping attacks. Eavesdropping happens when an attacker intercepts a poorly secured connection between a client and server, accessing the secure traffic between them.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is an innovative approach for securing encryption and authentication by leveraging a quantum phenomenon called “entanglement”. QKD facilitates the transmission of secret symmetric cryptographic keys that remain secure, even against eavesdropping attempts enhanced by quantum computing. A quantum phenomenon known as “entanglement.” QKD allows the secure exchange of symmetric cryptographic keys, making them resistant to eavesdropping attempts, even those utilizing quantum computing.

As the ecosystem for QKD, quantum computing, and quantum measurement rapidly evolves, there will be a pressing need for international standards to outline the conditions for quantum networks. The ITU has begun to tackle the rigorous demands of future quantum networks with a new standard, “ITU Y.3800 – Overview on networks supporting quantum key distribution,” which outlines the basic conceptual frameworks of QKD networks. This standard is the first in a series of ITU standards focusing on network and security aspects of quantum information technologies.

Principles of Quantum Superposition and Entanglement

Particles like photons or electrons have properties such as position, spin, polarization, and momentum, described by a “wave function”. In quantum mechanics, a particle can exist in multiple states simultaneously (superposition) until observed, causing the wave function to collapse into one state. An unobserved particle could have a 50% chance of being in either state, but once measured, it remains in that state.

Particles become “entangled” when their quantum states link. For example, if two entangled particles are created with a total spin of zero and one is measured to spin clockwise, the other will always spin counterclockwise, no matter the distance between them. This entanglement ensures secure communications and supports quantum computing or measurement networks.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) generates and distributes symmetric cryptographic keys using quantum properties of photons. It complements existing security features in communication networks. Keys from QKD can be used for One Time Pad (OTP), Hash Based Message Authentication Mode (HMAC), and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).

QKD uses the BB84 protocol with single photon measurements or the E91 protocol with entangled photon pairs to create a secure key. The statistical results show if the photon was intercepted. Introducing QKD into current networks requires changes to infrastructure and cryptographic protocols, due to its need for point-to-point links and ultra-low loss quantum channels.

The fundamental components of a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) communication system include the transmitter and receiver (QKD modules) and a QKD link connecting them, which consists of a Classical Channel and a Quantum Channel. The Classical Channel facilitates data exchange between the QKD modules, whereas the Quantum Channel transmits quantum signals, such as single or entangled photons, from which cryptographic keys are derived.

 

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems rely on the precise transmission of single photons or entangled photon pairs to ensure secure communication. Low-loss optical connectors are crucial for these systems, as even minor losses can degrade the quantum signals, reducing transmission distance and reliability. High-performance connectors minimize insertion loss and maintain signal integrity, ensuring the effectiveness of QKD protocols, where every photon counts in achieving secure key exchange.

SENKO’s Quantum Grade Connectors
SENKO’s Quantum Grade connectors are specifically designed to support QKD networks by offering ultra-low insertion loss and high precision alignment, ensuring minimal signal degradation. These connectors are optimized for the stringent requirements of quantum communication, providing robust and reliable performance in maintaining the integrity of quantum signals over long distances. SENKO’s Quantum Grade Connectors: Bridging the gap, entangling the quantum world with the real world.