Patent ID: 8457316

Claim:
A method comprising: determining a plurality of source wavelengths based on implementing a maximum number of quantum key distribution connections between a plurality of user pairs concurrently; generating entangled photon pairs at frequencies determined by a frequency of a primary optical source based on determining the plurality of source wavelengths, wherein the frequency of the primary optical source is tuned; distributing entangled photon pairs among the plurality of user pairs communicating over a wave division multiplexing network according to frequencies of the entangled photon pairs, wherein a sum of the frequencies of the entangled photon pairs is equal for each user pair; establishing a plurality of key exchanges between the plurality of user pairs, wherein establishing the plurality of key exchanges includes repeating generating entangled photon pairs and distributing entangled photon pairs at a plurality of clocked pulses such that each user pair receives a plurality of entangled photon pairs sufficient to establish a photon polarity-based cryptographic key; and concurrently controlling the plurality of key exchanges between the plurality of user pairs based on the frequency of the primary optical source.