Patent ID: 8885828
Filing Date: 2014-11-11
Classification: H04B,H04L

Abstract:
1. A system to implement a switched optical star network having a plurality of distinct user communities, the network comprising: a hub and a plurality of endpoints optically connected to the hub; wherein the hub comprises a network switch and at least one quantum key distribution (QKD) device; each endpoint comprises a QKD device in optical communication with a QKD device at the hub, so as to, in use, derive a quantum key for that endpoint; the hub further comprises a separate key transmitter for each respective community, and each key transmitter is connected only to those endpoints which are within its respective community; each key transmitter is arranged to transmit only to endpoints within its respective community and is arranged to transmit to each endpoint within its respective community a community key encrypted using the quantum key for the particular endpoint; the hub mounted and endpoint QKD devices communicate on a quantum channel and a classical channel; the quantum and classical channels are established as different wavelengths transmitted over the same medium; the system to implement a switched optical star network further comprises a plurality of QKD devices at the hub; and each QKD device located at the hub is arranged to only communicate with endpoints within a single community.