Development of NavIC synchronized fully automated inter-building QKD framework and demonstration of quantum secured video calling

TL;DR

This paper presents a fully automated inter-building quantum key distribution system using NavIC for synchronization, demonstrating secure video calling with high key rates over free-space atmospheric channels.

Contribution

It introduces a novel NavIC-based synchronization technique for QKD and integrates it with a secure video calling application, advancing practical quantum communication.

Findings

Secure key rate up to 300 Kbps achieved

QBER maintained below 3%

Successful demonstration of quantum-secured video calling

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a revolutionary communication technology that promises ultimate security assurance by exploiting the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. In this work, we report design and development of a fully automated inter-building QKD framework for generation and distribution of cryptographic keys, securely and seamlessly, by executing weak coherent pulse based BB84 protocol. This framework is experimentally validated by establishing a quantum communication link between two buildings separated by ~300m of free-space atmospheric channel. A novel synchronization technique enabled with indigenous NavIC (IRNSS) constellation is developed and implemented. This QKD system demonstrates generation of secure key rate as high as 300 Kbps with QBER< 3% for mean photon no. per pulse (${\mu}$) of 0.15. The intercept-resend eavesdropping attack has been emulated within the system and evaluated during experiment. A novel quantum secured end-to-end encrypted video calling app (QuViC) is also developed and integrated with QKD framework to demonstrate unconditionally secure two-way communication over Ethernet, functioning alongside with quantum communication.