Architecture for reconfigurable quantum key distribution networks based on entangled photons directed by a wavelength selective switch
AssigneeAT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
InventorsMikhail Brodsky, Mark David Feuer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for securing communications between a plurality of users communicating over an optical network. The system utilizes a fixed or tunable source optical generator to generate entangled photon pairs, distribute the photons and establish a key exchange between users. The distribution of entangled photon pairs is implemented via at least one wavelength selective switch.
Claims20
A method for encrypting messages sent between a number of endpoints, the number of endpoints comprising a plurality of sender devices and a plurality of recipient devices, the method comprising:
- receiving a plurality of encryption photons at a first sender device of the plurality of sender devices beginning at a scheduled connection time and continuing during a scheduled duration period, each encryption photon of the plurality of encryption photons comprising one entangled photon of a pair of entangled photons, the scheduled connection time and the scheduled duration period allowing the number of endpoints to receive a plurality of photons when the number of endpoints exceeds a number of wavelength channels for transmission of the plurality of photons;
- generating an encryption key at the first sender device of the plurality of sender devices based on the plurality of encryption photons;
- and
- encrypting an electronic message using the encryption key.
A method for decrypting messages sent between a number of endpoints, the number of endpoints comprising a plurality of sender devices and a plurality of recipient devices, the method comprising:
- receiving a plurality of decryption photons at a first recipient device of the plurality of recipient devices beginning at a scheduled connection time and continuing during a scheduled duration period, each decryption photon of the plurality of decryption photons comprising one entangled photon of a pair of entangled photons, the scheduled connection time and the scheduled duration period allowing the number of endpoints to receive a plurality of photons when the number of endpoints exceeds a number of wavelength channels for transmission of the plurality of photons;
- generating a decryption key at the first recipient device of the plurality of recipient devices based on the plurality of decryption photons;
- and
- decrypting an encrypted electronic message using the decryption key.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.