Quantum Key Distribution and Communication using a Two-way Quantum Channel

TL;DR

This paper reviews a two-way quantum channel protocol for quantum key distribution, analyzing its practical aspects and security against eavesdropping, and comparing it to traditional one-way protocols.

Contribution

It introduces a practical characterization of a two-way quantum communication protocol and evaluates its security and advantages over standard one-way protocols.

Findings

Two-way protocol offers potential security benefits.

Eavesdropping strategies are effectively characterized.

Comparison shows advantages over one-way protocols.

Abstract

We review a communication protocol recently proposed by us that makes use of a two-way quantum channel. We provide a characterization of such a protocol from a practical perspective, and consider the most relevant eavesdropping strategies against it. This allows us to compare its potentialities with those of a standard protocol which uses a one-way quantum channel.