Systems and methods for path set-up in a quantum key distribution network

A computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling at least one processor to perform a method of establishing a path for distributing data through a network, the method comprising:

• initiating establishment of a first data distribution path through the network, the network comprising at least one switch and one link;
• determining whether eavesdropping has occurred on the first data distribution path using quantum cryptography;
• and
• initiating establishment of a second data distribution path through the network based on the eavesdropping determination, wherein the second data distribution path comprises a different route through the network than the first data distribution path.

A system for establishing a path for distributing data through a network, comprising:

• means for establishing a first data distribution path through the network, the network comprising at least one switch and one link;
• means for determining whether eavesdropping has occurred on the first data distribution path using quantum cryptography;
• and
• means for establishing a second data distribution path through the network based on the eavesdropping determination, wherein the second data distribution path comprises a different route through the network than the first data distribution path.

A system for establishing a path for distributing data through a network, comprising:

• a switch configured to establish a first encryption key distribution path through the network, the first encryption key distribution path comprising a plurality of switches and links;
• and
• a data distribution endpoint configured to determine whether eavesdropping has occurred on the first encryption key distribution path using quantum cryptography,
• wherein the switch is further configured to establish a second encryption key distribution path through the network responsive to the eavesdropping determination, the second encryption key distribution path comprising a plurality of switches and links.

A method of routing around eavesdroppers in a network, comprising:

• establishing a first path in the network;
• transmitting data symbols over the first path;
• identifying eavesdropping on the first path using quantum cryptography;
• establishing a second path in the network responsive to the eavesdropping identification, wherein the second path comprises a different route through the network than the first path;
• and
• transmitting data symbols over the second path.

A quantum encryption key distribution device, comprising:

• a transceiver;
• and
• a processing unit configured to:
• establish a first key distribution path in the network, the first key distribution path comprising a plurality of links and switches,
• transmit at least a portion of a first encryption key over the first key distribution path via the transceiver,
• identify eavesdropping on the first key distribution path using quantum cryptographic techniques,
• establish a second key distribution path in the network responsive to the eavesdropping identification, the second key distribution path comprising a plurality of links and switches, and
• transmit at least a portion of a second encryption key over the second key distribution path via the transceiver.

A system for routing around eavesdroppers in a network, comprising:

• means for establishing a first path in the network;
• means for transmitting data symbols over the first path;
• means for identifying eavesdropping on the first path using quantum cryptography;
• means for establishing a second path in the network responsive to the eavesdropping identification, wherein the second path comprises a different route through the network than the first path;
• and
• means for transmitting data symbols over the second path.