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Unbreakable Quantum Encryption Demonstrated
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October 10, 2008

Unbreakable Quantum Encryption Demonstrated

By Richard Grigonis, Executive Editor, IP Communications Group


Quantum cryptography, or Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), leverages the mysterious physics of the ultra-small world to provide absolutely secure communication. Essentially, two parties produce and share a random bit string known only to them, which is used as a key to encrypt and decrypt messages. QKD is used to distribute the key, not to transmit messages per se. The key is used with a standard encryption algorithm to encrypt and decrypt the message, which is sent over any standard communications channel, even the Internet.

What makes quantum cryptography unique is that the key used to encode the data are photons, tiny particles of light that are noticeably subject to the so-called Heisenberg Uncertainty principle, which essentially states that we change whatever we measure. Any attempt by a third-party to eavesdrop on the key disturbs the network system, which can be detected as an increase in the error-rate, with the result that the communications system can automatically be shut down. But the system is not overly fragile. Like conventional redundant/high availability networks used by commercial network operators, if one link goes down, data can be instantly rerouted.
 
At a recent conference in Vienna, researchers for the Development of a Global Network for Secure Communication based on Quantum Cryptography (SECOQC) demonstrated such a network , which used 200 kilometers of standard optical fiber (supplied by Siemens (News - Alert)) to connect six locations (also provided by Siemens) across Vienna and in the nearby town of St. Poelten. Each location was fitted out with a rack of PC-sized boxes and a series of light detectors.
 
Scientists say that the technology could be commercially available in three years.
 
The founding concepts of quantum cryptography were worked out in 1984 by Charles H. Bennett of IBM (News - Alert) and Gilles Brassard of Montreal University, who was in attendance in Vienna to see the quantum network.
 
In the demonstration, an intruder attempted to eavesdrop on the quantum exchange, the photons were disturbed, and the error rate monitored at the nodes increased. The system immediately shut down without divulging any information to the intruder.
It’s expected that governments and military organizations will be among the first to implement this technology.
 
Don’t forget to check out TMCnet’s White Paper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP Communications industry. The library offers white papers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users. Today’s featured white paper is Fixed Service Strategies for Mobile Network Operators, brought to you by Comverse (News - Alert).
 

Richard Grigonis is Executive Editor of TMC (News - Alert)�s IP Communications Group. To read more of Richard�s articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Michelle Robart


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