Interactive simulation of quantum key distribution protocols and application in Wi-Fi networks

Abstract

Key distribution allows two parties to produce and share a random secret key, which can then be used to encrypt and decrypt messages with symmetric cryptosystems. Thus, this is often considered the most fundamental cryptographic primitive of secret communications, especially in wireless networks. While the traditional method is based on the assumption about the hardness of some mathematical problem, the quantum key distribution (QKD) involves quantum mechanical components and can be considered unconditionally secure. This paper presents an implementation of the two QKD protocols known as E91 and B92, which includes an intuitive class structure representing the different relationships between the two collaborating entities in the simulated communication. In addition, this implementation made it possible to deepen the study and comparison of both algorithms. The main details of the implementation are described here, together with some conclusions obtained from the research carried out on its functionalities, illustrated in colorful heat maps. This work also includes a preliminary analysis of the potential of the application of these QKD protocols for their hybrid application in Wi-Fi networks based on the IEEE 802.11 standard.