Quantum Communications Networks & Cryptography: From Devices to Industrial Practice
A special issue of Entropy (ISSN 1099-4300). This special issue belongs to the section "Quantum Information".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (22 August 2023) | Viewed by 11004
Special Issue Editors
Interests: quantum networks; quantum cryptography; integration of QKD in classical networks; SDN-QKD networks; standardization in quantum communications
Interests: quantum cryptography; CV-QKD; security of QKD; quantum communication (and QKD) networks; standardization and certification of QKD and quantum communication networks
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The ability to manipulate systems at the level of quantum states is enabling a host of novel applications. The technology closest to industrial practice is probably quantum communications and, in particular, quantum key distribution. QKD methods have the distinct advantage of creating symmetric keys between distant locations with an upper bound on overall information leakage. This security is independent regarding the computational power of a hypothetical attacker; QKD is unbreakable as an algorithm. The only source of insecurity can be related to implementation. In this sense, we deal with information theoretical security that does not degrade over time. This is in contrast to state-of-the-art crypto schemes that are based on assumptions on computational hardness, inevitably leading to continuous updates. This problem is urgent, as there are quantum computing algorithms able to break the most widely used public cryptography schemes. However, QKD requires a physical implementation, which makes it harder to deploy and has additional issues, such as a limited reach or difficulties of integration into current infrastructures.
Quantum communication technologies have steadily improved over the last decade; novel QKD protocols have allowed optical fiber to increase its reach to a hitherto unthinkable 800 km. Satellite connections, networks combining classical and quantum communications, are being demonstrated, and large infrastructures are being planned. Eventually, quantum repeaters are predicted to overcome distance limitations, making it possible to communicate to distant quantum devices, not only to ensure security, but to enable distant quantum computing or sensing, allowing for currently impossible applications. To make this a reality, current communication infrastructures have to be augmented with quantum capabilities, and a full ecosystem of services and devices must be created, involving research in the field of quantum technologies as well as in cryptography and networking, further requiring standardization to grow an industry. We are starting to see the shape of a variety of novel opportunities coming into quantum communications. This Special Issue intends to present a panorama of current developments in this area.
We look forward to receiving outstanding contributions dealing with the following topics:
- Novel protocols and systems in quantum communications;
- Quantum key distribution and quantum communications networks;
- Long distance and satellite quantum networks;
- Standardization in quantum communications;
- Security and certification of quantum communication networks;
- Integration of quantum communications in traditional communication networks;
- Hybrid quantum and postquantum security;
- Quantum network deployment policies;
- Quantum network applications.
Prof. Dr. Vicente Martin
Dr. Momtchil Peev
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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