Patent ID: 8483394
Filing Date: 2013-07-09
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of facilitating secure communication between plural user devices, the plural user devices including a first user device and a second user device, the method comprising, with a system that implements a trusted authority: distributing one or more first quantum keys by first quantum key distribution under a first trust relationship between the trusted authority and a first user, wherein the trusted authority is a first child trusted authority in a hierarchy, the hierarchy further including a parent trusted authority and a second child trusted authority, and wherein the first child trusted authority is operable to engage in quantum key distribution with the parent trusted authority; distributing one or more second quantum keys by second quantum key distribution under a second trust relationship between the first child trusted authority and a second user, wherein the one or more first quantum keys are different than the one or more second quantum keys; determining one or more combination keys based at least in part upon at least one of the one or more first quantum keys and at least one of the one or more second quantum keys; and making the one or more combination keys available for distribution, wherein the one or more combination keys facilitate secure communication between the first user device and the second user device even in the absence of quantum key distribution between the first user device and the second user device; wherein the second child trusted authority has a third trust relationship with a third user.