Feasibility Study for CubeSat Based Trusted Node Configuration Global QKD Network

TL;DR

This paper explores the feasibility of using CubeSats as trusted nodes in a global quantum key distribution network, addressing technical challenges and proposing solutions for secure satellite-based quantum communication.

Contribution

It presents a comprehensive feasibility analysis of deploying CubeSats for global QKD networks, highlighting technical challenges and potential implementation strategies.

Findings

CubeSats can potentially enable cost-effective global QKD networks.

Technical challenges include satellite stability, quantum link maintenance, and security protocols.

Proposed solutions involve advanced satellite design and robust quantum communication techniques.

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is the most used protocol in the context of quantum cryptography for sharing a private encryption key between two parties. Covid-19 pandemic has raised the ever-increasing need for online communications a lot; this requires enhanced security protocols. QKD has the potential to meet a global scale network's security requirements. Despite considerable progress, all ground-based QKD approaches have distance limitations due to atmospheric or fiber attenuation. A global network scheme can use intersatellite links to establish a trusted node network with constellations. This enables key elements for quantum internet which allows secure exchange of information between quantum computers. The most cost-effective and iterative approach for this goal is to exploit CubeSats. This paper summarizes technical challenges and possible solutions to enable a global QKD network using CubeSats. We discuss practical concerns and alternative paths involved with implementing such systems.