Secure Quantum Relay Networks Using Distributed Entanglement without Classical Authentication

TL;DR

This paper introduces a secure quantum relay network framework that eliminates the need for classical authentication by using pre-shared entanglement and quantum correlations, enhancing security and scalability.

Contribution

It presents a novel quantum relay protocol leveraging distributed entanglement and non-classical decoding to ensure message security without classical trust assumptions.

Findings

Guarantees quantum-forward secrecy and origin integrity

Maintains robustness under entanglement loss and detection imperfections

Enables scalable quantum communication without classical authentication

Abstract

Current quantum communication protocols rely heavily on classical authentication for message origin verification, leaving them vulnerable to evolving attacks that exploit classical trust assumptions. In this work, we propose a novel framework for secure quantum relay networks that completely avoids classical authentication. Instead, we leverage pre-distributed entanglement graphs and non-classical correlation-assisted decoding to enable exclusive message retrieval by designated nodes without broadcasting any key or handshake. The system routes messages across multiple relay nodes, yet ensures that no intermediate node can access the message unless it possesses the entangled state partner. We demonstrate that even in multi-path scenarios with asynchronous entanglement distribution, the protocol guarantees quantum-forward secrecy and end-to-end origin integrity without trusted intermediaries. Simulation results confirm both functionality and robustness under entanglement loss and imperfect detection. This architecture paves the way for scalable quantum communication systems where physical quantum states replace classical authentication mechanisms entirely.