Patent ID: 7889868
Filing Date: 2011-02-15
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for distributing quantum cryptographic keys, comprising: receiving, at an intermediate key forwarding device, a first quantum signal from an initial quantum key generating transmitter; corresponding, by the intermediate key forwarding device, with the initial quantum key generating transmitter to generate a first quantum key; transmitting, by the intermediate key forwarding device, a second quantum signal to a recipient quantum key generating transmitter; corresponding, by the intermediate key forwarding device, with the recipient quantum key generating receiver to generate a second quantum key; encoding, by the intermediate key forwarding device, the first quantum key using the second quantum key; and transmitting, by the intermediate key forwarding device, the encoded first quantum key to the recipient quantum key generating receiver, wherein receiving the first quantum signal and corresponding with the initial quantum key generating transmitter each occur via a single combined channel that includes the first quantum signal and a public data signal alternating in a time shared manner, and wherein receiving the first quantum signal and corresponding with the initial quantum key generating transmitter further comprises: