Towards secure quantum key distribution protocol for wireless LANs: a hybrid approach

Abstract

The primary goals of security such as authentication, confidentiality, integrity and non-repudiation in communication networks can be achieved with secure key distribution. Quantum mechanisms are highly secure means of distributing secret keys as they are unconditionally secure. Quantum key distribution protocols can effectively prevent various attacks in the quantum channel, while classical cryptography is efficient in authentication and verification of secret keys. By combining both quantum cryptography and classical cryptography, security of communications over networks can be leveraged. Hwang, Lee and Li exploited the merits of both cryptographic paradigms for provably secure communications to prevent replay, man-in-the-middle, and passive attacks. In this paper, we propose a new scheme with the combination of quantum cryptography and classical cryptography for 802.11i wireless LANs. Since quantum cryptography is premature in wireless networks, our work is a significant step forward toward securing communications in wireless networks. Our scheme is known as hybrid quantum key distribution protocol. Our analytical results revealed that the proposed scheme is provably secure for wireless networks.

Demonstrating BB84 Quantum Key Distribution in the Physical Layer of an Optical Fiber Based System

“…Besides experimental quantum links and networks there are several concepts and objectives for QKD applications in real-life scenarios as well [31], [32], [33], [34], [35]. The accelerating tendency in the developement of QC (and technologies) has ushered in the era of the so called 'second quantum revolution.'…”