Integrated semi-quantum layered communication

TL;DR

This paper introduces three novel semi-quantum protocols utilizing multidimensional states for secure layered communication in quantum networks, enabling simultaneous secure information sharing across multiple layers with robustness against eavesdropping.

Contribution

The paper presents new semi-quantum protocols for layered networks that employ multidimensional states, allowing secure simultaneous communication in arbitrarily structured networks.

Findings

Protocols are demonstrated for small networks with up to five participants and three layers.

Protocols are shown to be robust against various eavesdropping strategies.

Procedures for generalizing the protocols to larger, arbitrarily structured networks are provided.

Abstract

In recent times, secure quantum communication in layered networks has emerged as an important area of study. In this paper, we harness the potential offered by multidimensional states in secure quantum communication with only one quantum participant and all the other classical participants. We propose three protocols for (i) entanglement-based layered semi--quantum key distribution, (ii) layered semi-quantum secret sharing, and, (iii) integrated layered semi-quantum key distribution and secret sharing to share secret information in an arbitrarily layered network. These protocols integrate the features of semi quantum communication in layered networks. All three protocols allow for the simultaneous distribution of secure information in all the layers of a network, thanks to the employment of multidimensional states. We present these protocols for a small network of at most five participants and three layers and show the robustness of the same against various eavesdropping strategies. Finally, we provide a detailed procedure for the generalization of the proposed protocols to distribute keys/secrets in any arbitrarily structured quantum network.