University of Twente Student Theses
Quantum Key Distribution in a Pan-European Network of National Research and Education Networks, Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects of Implementing a Quantum Key Distribution Network
Klink, Karel van (2022) Quantum Key Distribution in a Pan-European Network of National Research and Education Networks, Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects of Implementing a Quantum Key Distribution Network.
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Abstract: | As widespread use of the internet continues to grow, the prevalence of security threats it faces follows suit. Quantum Key Distribution aims to make the internet a more secure system by providing the possibility to generate perfectly secure keys that can be applied to secure communication soundly. This research investigates the state of the art in standardisation and certification of Quantum Key Distribution equipment, which goes hand in hand with a set of experiments on Toshiba Quantum Key Distribution equipment in order to investigate the performance of hardware that is commercially available. It is found that Variable Optical Attenuators cannot replicate dark fibre when measuring Quantum Key Distribution equipment performance. Two possible services GÉANT could offer are presented, and their feasibility is evaluated. It is found that the Toshiba equipment is able to perform adequately in a test environment, however required hardware, software, and standardisation for management and operation of a Quantum Key Distribution Network are lacking maturity for a production environment, at the moment of writing. This research makes the novel contribution of demonstrating the importance and possibility of multiplexing, something that is strongly advised to make use of in a future deployment. |
Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
Clients: | GÉANT Vereniging, Amsterdam, The Netherlands |
Faculty: | EEMCS: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science |
Subject: | 54 computer science |
Programme: | Internet Science and Technology MSc (60032) |
Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/93637 |
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