System and method to merge encrypted signals in distributed communication system

A computer implemented method for data privacy in a distributed communication system coupled to first, second, and third client terminals, the method comprising:

• receiving, from the first client terminal, a first key switch hint corresponding to the second client terminal and a second key switch hint corresponding to the third client terminal;
• receiving, from the second client terminal, a third key switch hint corresponding to the first client terminal and a fourth key switch hint corresponding to the third client terminal;
• receiving, from the third client terminal, a fifth key switch hint corresponding to the first client terminal and a sixth key switch hint corresponding to the second client terminal;
• receiving an encrypted data stream from the first, second, and third client terminals;
• switching the encrypted data stream received from the first client terminal using the first key switch hint and the second key switch hint to generate a first encrypted data representation;
• switching the encrypted data stream received from the second client terminal using the third key switch hint and the fourth key switch hint to generate a second encrypted data representation;
• switching the encrypted data stream received from the third client terminal using the fifth key switch hint and the sixth key switch hint to generate a third encrypted data representation;
• and
• generating first, second, and third encrypted output data streams each corresponding to the first, second, and third client terminals, respectively, using the first, second, and third encrypted data representations.

A central communication hub in a distributed communication system, the central communication hub comprising:

• an input port for receiving a first group of key switch hints and a first encrypted data stream;
• one or more switching circuits configured to switch the first encrypted data stream using the first group of key switch hints to generate a first switched data set;
• a demultiplexer for generating an encrypted output data stream using the first switched data set;
• and
• an output terminal for providing the encrypted output data stream to a client terminal.