Quantum Networking

We propose and implement a software-defined network architecture that integrates the QKD SDN Controller within the QKD node, enabling it to use quantum keys to secure its communication with SDN agents while optimizing QKD-keys consumption.

This article summarises the current status of classical communication networks and identifies some critical open research challenges that can only be solved by leveraging quantum technologies. By now, the main goal of quantum communication networks has been security. However, quantum networks can do more than just exchange secure keys or serve the needs of quantum computers. In fact, the scientific community is still investigating on the possible use cases/benefits that quant...

Secure communication makes the widespread use of telecommunication networks and services possible. With the constant progress of computing and mathematics, new cryptographic methods are being diligently developed. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a promising technology that provides an Information-Theoretically Secure (ITS) solution to the secret-key agreement problem between two remote parties. QKD networks based on trusted repeaters are built to provide service to a larger...

The appealing feature of quantum key distribution (QKD), from a cryptographic viewpoint, is the ability to prove the information-theoretic security (ITS) of the established keys. As a key establishment primitive, QKD however does not provide a standalone security service in its own: the secret keys established by QKD are in general then used by a subsequent cryptographic applications for which the requirements, the context of use and the security properties can vary. It is th...

We consider various issues which arise as soon as one tries to practically implement simple networks of quantum relays for QKD. In particular we discuss authentication and routing which are essential ingredients of any QKD network. This paper aims to address some gaps between quantum and networking aspects of QKD networks usually reserved to specialist in physics and computer science respectively.

A quantum network, which involves multiple parties pinging each other with quantum messages, could revolutionize communication, computing and basic sciences. The future internet will be a global system of various packet switching quantum and classical networks and we call it \emph{quantum internet}. To build a quantum internet, unified protocols that support the distribution of quantum messages within it are necessary. Intuitively one would extend classical internet protocols...

The European projet Secoqc (Secure Communication based on Quantum Cryptography) aims at developing a global network for unconditionally secure key distribution. This paper specifies the requirements and presents the principles guiding the design of this network, and relevant to its architecture and protocols.

Quantum Communications Networks using the properties of qubits, namely state superposition, no-cloning and entanglement, can enable the exchange of information in a very secure manner across optical links or free space. New innovations enable the use of optical repeaters as well as multi-cast communication in the networks. Some types of quantum communications mechanisms can be implemented at room-temperature instead of requiring super-cooled systems. This makes it likely that...

Uniquely among the sciences, quantum cryptography has driven both foundational research as well as practical real-life applications. We review the progress of quantum cryptography in the last decade, covering quantum key distribution and other applications.

Quantum cryptography can, in principle, provide unconditional security guaranteed by the law of physics only. Here, we survey the theory and practice of the subject and highlight some recent developments.