Patent ID: 11251947

Abstract:
A method for quantum-key-distribution-based encrypted data transmission in an optical/radio-access network, having a plurality of end nodes, includes, at a first node of the network: (a) via an optical quantum channel, exchanging photonic qubits with a second node, wherein the photonic qubits are processable to derive therefrom an initial key such that each of the first and second nodes have a copy of the initial key, (b) via a classical channel, exchanging a series of encrypted keys with the second node, wherein a first encrypted key is encrypted by the initial key, and each subsequent encrypted key is encrypted by a preceding encrypted key, and (c) via the classical channel, exchanging encrypted data with the second node, wherein the encrypted data is encrypted by a last encrypted key in the series of encrypted keys. One, but not both, of the first and second nodes is an end node.