Abstract
As digital communication continues to expand across critical infrastructures, ensuring data security has become more challenging in the face of advancing computational capabilities, especially with the anticipated rise of quantum computers. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) presents a revolutionary approach to secure communications by leveraging the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to enable the secure exchange of cryptographic keys. Unlike classical encryption methods that rely on computational complexity, QKD ensures unconditional security, as any attempt to intercept the key disturbs the quantum state, revealing the presence of eavesdroppers. This paper explores the current developments in QKD protocols, including BB84 and E91, as well as practical challenges in implementation, such as distance limitations and hardware requirements. Furthermore, it discusses recent advancements in satellite-based QKD, integrated photonics, and quantum networks, highlighting their potential to reshape the landscape of secure global communication. The integration of QKD into future communication infrastructure is positioned to be a cornerstone of post-quantum cryptography, making it a vital technology in the era of quantum computing.
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Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and the Future of Secure Communications | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 10 April 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and the Future of Secure Communications Author : Godwin Olaoye 0009-0003-5037-2056 [email protected] Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174431281.12939966/v1 673 views 211 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract As digital communication continues to expand across critical infrastructures, ensuring data security has become more challenging in the face of advancing computational capabilities, especially with the anticipated rise of quantum computers. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) presents a revolutionary approach to secure communications by leveraging the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to enable the secure exchange of cryptographic keys. Unlike classical encryption methods that rely on computational complexity, QKD ensures unconditional security, as any attempt to intercept the key disturbs the quantum state, revealing the presence of eavesdroppers. This paper explores the current developments in QKD protocols, including BB84 and E91, as well as practical challenges in implementation, such as distance limitations and hardware requirements. Furthermore, it discusses recent advancements in satellite-based QKD, integrated photonics, and quantum networks, highlighting their potential to reshape the landscape of secure global communication. The integration of QKD into future communication infrastructure is positioned to be a cornerstone of post-quantum cryptography, making it a vital technology in the era of quantum computing. Supplementary Material File (quantum key distribution (qkd) and the future of secure communications.pdf) Download 176.16 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 10 April 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords bb84 protocol entanglement post-quantum security quantum cryptography quantum key distribution (qkd) Authors Affiliations Godwin Olaoye 0009-0003-5037-2056 [email protected] View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 673 views 211 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Godwin Olaoye. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and the Future of Secure Communications. Authorea . 10 April 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174431281.12939966/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. 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