Resource Requirements and Speed versus Geometry of Unconditionally Secure Physical Key Exchanges

The imperative need for unconditional secure key exchange is expounded by the increasing connectivity of networks and by the increasing number and level of sophistication of cyberattacks. Two concepts that are theoretically information-secure are quantum key distribution (QKD) and Kirchoff-Law-Johns...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2015-04, Vol.17 (4), p.2010-2024
Main Authors: Gonzalez, Elias, Balog, Robert S, Kish, Laszlo B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cables
Entropy
Exchange
information theoretically secure
KLJN
Mathematical analysis
Networks
QKD
secure key exchange
Social networks
star network
Stars
Telephone cables
Tradeoffs
unconditional security
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Summary:The imperative need for unconditional secure key exchange is expounded by the increasing connectivity of networks and by the increasing number and level of sophistication of cyberattacks. Two concepts that are theoretically information-secure are quantum key distribution (QKD) and Kirchoff-Law-Johnson-Noise (KLJN). However, these concepts require a dedicated connection between hosts in peer-to-peer (P2P) networks which can be impractical and or cost prohibitive. A practical and cost effective method is to have each host share their respective cable(s) with other hosts such that two remote hosts can realize a secure key exchange without the need of an additional cable or key exchanger. In this article we analyze the cost complexities of cable, key exchangers, and time required in the star network. We mentioned the reliability of the star network and compare it with other network geometries. We also conceived a protocol and equation for the number of secure bit exchange periods needed in a star network. We then outline other network geometries and trade-off possibilities that seem interesting to explore.
ISSN:1099-4300
1099-4300
DOI:10.3390/e17042010