Anonymous communication protocol over quantum networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a W state-based quantum anonymous communication protocol suitable for quantum networks with basic channels, enhancing security and efficiency over previous methods.

Contribution

It presents a novel W state-based protocol for quantum anonymity that is implementable with standard quantum and broadcast channels, including new sub-protocols for collision detection and notification.

Findings

Protocol is correct and secure.

Compatible with existing quantum network infrastructure.

Improves upon prior anonymous quantum communication methods.

Abstract

We propose a W state-based protocol for anonymously transmitting quantum messages in a quantum network. Different from the existing protocols [A. Unnikrishnan, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 240501 (2019)], the proposed protocol can be effectively implemented in the network only equipped with quantum channels and regular broadcast channels. Throughout the design procedure, we develop three sub-protocols using the W state, including the quantum collision detection protocol and the quantum notification protocol. Moreover, together with the conventional anonymous entanglement protocol, the whole anonymous communication protocol has been constructed. Finally, we examine the correctness and security of the proposed quantum anonymous communication protocol.