10-Fold Increase in Quantum Cryptography Key Generation Rate

[R. A. Hettinga]

<http://www.convergedigest.com/PacketSystems/packetsysarticle.asp?ID=12445>




Packet Systems News 


 NEC Achieve

10-Fold Increase in Quantum Cryptography Key Generation Rate

 Researchers in Japan succeeded in realizing the world's fastest 100 kbps
40-km-long quantum cryptography key generation, surpassing previous
records. Achieved through a newly developed quantum cryptography system
adopting a novel method, this key generation enables secure network
communication supported by the principles of quantum mechanical physics.
The technology could be used for quantum cryptography transmissions in
optical networks in metropolitan areas.

 The research was conducted by NEC, the National Institute of Information
and Communications Technology (NiCT), and the Japan Science and Technology
Agency (JST).
 http://www.nec.co.jp
 28-Sep-04


	* 	 In June 2004, BBN Technologies announced what it describes as
"the world's first quantum cryptography network." The DARPA Quantum
Network, which links BBN's campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Harvard
University and soon Boston University, uses quantum cryptography to provide
extremely high-levels of security for Internet traffic.
	* 	 Quantum cryptography, invented by Charles Bennett and Giles
Brassard in the 1980s, prepares and transmits single photons of light,
through either fiber optic cable or the atmosphere, to distribute
cryptographic keys that are used to encrypt and decrypt messages. BBN said
this method of securing information is radically different from methods
based on mathematical complexity, relying instead on fundamental physical
laws. Because very small (quantum) particles are changed by any observation
or measurement, eavesdropping on a quantum cryptography system is always
detectable. BBN is developing protocols to pave the way for robust quantum
networks on a larger scale by providing "any to any" networking of quantum
cryptography through a mesh of passive optical switches and cryptographic
key relays.
	* 	 In March 2004, NEC claimed a new distance record of 150 km for a
single photon transmission -- a feat that might enable secure network
communication based on principles of quantum mechanical physics. The result
was achieved through a newly developed quantum cryptography system
consisting of optical planar circuits based on Planar Lightwave Circuit
(PLC) technology. NEC said quantum cryptography transmissions in optical
networks could some day to used metropolitan areas for truly secure
communications.

-- 
-----------------
R. A. Hettinga <mailto: rah at ibuc.com>
The Internet Bearer Underwriting Corporation <http://www.ibuc.com/>
44 Farquhar Street, Boston, MA 02131 USA
"... however it may deserve respect for its usefulness and antiquity,
[predicting the end of the world] has not been found agreeable to
experience." -- Edward Gibbon, 'Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire'

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