STEEP -- An Alternative To Quantum Key Distribution

TL;DR

STEEP offers a practical alternative to quantum key distribution by enabling secret-message transmission over classical channels, providing comparable secrecy rates with lower cost and complexity.

Contribution

The paper introduces STEEP as a novel method for secret-message transmission that does not require quantum channels, unlike traditional QKD.

Findings

STEEP achieves secrecy rates suitable for one-time pad encryption.

STEEP is more cost-effective and robust against eavesdropping.

STEEP is compatible with existing classical communication infrastructure.

Abstract

Secret-message transmission by echoing encrypted probes (STEEP) is discussed as an alternative to quantum key distribution (QKD). The former only needs classic or non-quantum channels while the latter needs both quantum and classic channels for secret-key generation. STEEP is shown to yield a secrecy rate sufficient for one-time pads encryption in many practical situations including in-air channels or undersea optical cables. Other advantages of STEEP over QKD include cost, complexity, compatibility, and robustness against constant eavesdropping.