Patent ID: 7646873
Filing Date: 2010-01-12
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of distributing and managing quantum encryption keys (“keys”) generated by a quantum key distribution (QKD) system to multiple applications A=(A 1 , . . . A n ) in each node of a QKD network, the method comprising: generating identical sets of keys and storing the keys in a persistent key record storage modules S=(S constructing key records that contain a key identifier for each key and appending the key records to the key record storage module S so that the key records in S are in chronological order; providing a key manager module having an application registration record R that includes a list of the multiple applications A for each node that use the quantum encryption keys, corresponding application key storage modules K=(K distributing, from the key manager module, key records from S to K in accordance to the key consumption rates; removing, via the applications A, keys from K for each node; and using the removed keys to encrypt/decrypt data sent by the applications A between two or more nodes.