Momtchil Peev | AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH (original) (raw)

Papers by Momtchil Peev

2017 International Conference on Optical Network Design and Modeling (ONDM), 2017

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a novel technology that can be seen as a synchronized source of... more Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a novel technology that can be seen as a synchronized source of symmetric keys in two separated domains that is immune to any algorithmic cryptanalysis. This technology makes impossible to copy the quantum states exchanged between two endpoints. Therefore, if implemented properly, QKD generates keys of the highest security based on the fundamental laws of quantum physics. No algorithmic advance would force a change of technology, as opposed to current public key cryptographic protocols, that rely on the complexity of certain mathematical problems. These protocols are at risk due to the advances in quantum computing and should be changed. On the other hand, network services are increasingly requesting more flexibility and network resources. One of the most desired capabilities is having higher level of security for the transmission between remote premises. In this work, we propose a node architecture to provide QKD-enhanced security in end-to-end (E2...

The nature of network services has drastically changed in recent years. New demands require new c... more The nature of network services has drastically changed in recent years. New demands require new capabilities, forcing the infrastructure to dynamically adapt to new scenarios. Novel network paradigms, such as software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV), have appeared to provide flexibility for network management and services. The reliance on software and commoditized hardware of these new paradigms introduce new security threats and, consequently, one of the most desired capabilities is a strengthened security layer when connecting remote premises. On the other hand, traditional cryptographic protocols are based on computational complexity assumptions. They rely on certain mathematical problems (e.g. integer factorization, discrete logarithm or elliptic curve) that cannot be efficiently solved using conventional computing. This general assumption is being revisited because of quantum computing. The creation of a quantum computer would put these proto...

Quantum Key Distribution is a cryptographic primitive that allows for exponential growing of an i... more Quantum Key Distribution is a cryptographic primitive that allows for exponential growing of an initial key, shared among the end-points of a quantum channel: a communications channel over which quantum signals can be transmitted. Its security can be derived from the laws of quantum mechanics, which allow to prove the Information Theoretic Security of QKD . In this entry the process and specific characteristics of QKD are discussed. This includes the meaning of the “absolute security” character that is usually ascribed to QKD, its limitations and practical implementation. keywords: security, cryptography, cyphering, symmetric key, quantum key distribution, quantum safe cryptography.

Rupert Ursin, 2 Thomas Jennewein, Johannes Kofler, 2 Josep M. Perdigues, Luigi Cacciapuoti, Clovi... more Rupert Ursin, 2 Thomas Jennewein, Johannes Kofler, 2 Josep M. Perdigues, Luigi Cacciapuoti, Clovis J. de Matos, Markus Aspelmeyer, Alejandra Valencia, Thomas Scheidl, Alessandro Fedrizzi, Antonio Acin, Cesare Barbieri, Giuseppe Bianco, Caslav Brukner, 2 José Capmany, Sergio Cova, Dirk Giggenbach, Walter Leeb, Robert H. Hadfield, Raymond Laflamme, Norbert Lütkenhaus, Gerard Milburn, Momtchil Peev, Timothy Ralph, John Rarity, Renato Renner, Etienne Samain, Nikolaos Solomos, 19 Wolfgang Tittel, Juan P. Torres, Morio Toyoshima, Arturo Ortigosa-Blanch, Valerio Pruneri, 22 Paolo Villoresi, 24 Ian Walmsley, Gregor Weihs, Harald Weinfurter, Marek Żukowski, and Anton Zeilinger 2 1 Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Austria ∗ 2 Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Austria 3 European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC),

IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking

In recent years, noticeable progress has been made in the development of quantum equipment, refle... more In recent years, noticeable progress has been made in the development of quantum equipment, reflected through the number of successful demonstrations of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology. Although they showcase the great achievements of QKD, many practical difficulties still need to be resolved. Inspired by the significant similarity between mobile ad-hoc networks and QKD technology, we propose a novel quality of service (QoS) model including new metrics for determining the states of public and quantum channels as well as a comprehensive metric of the QKD link. We also propose a novel routing protocol to achieve high-level scalability and minimize consumption of cryptographic keys. Given the limited mobility of nodes in QKD networks, our routing protocol uses the geographical distance and calculated link states to determine the optimal route. It also benefits from a caching mechanism and detection of returning loops to provide effective forwarding while minimizing key consumption and achieving the desired utilization of network links. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the proposed solutions. Index Terms-Quantum key distribution, quality of service, routing protocol, real-time traffic. I. INTRODUCTION D URING the 30 years since the discovery of the first quantum protocol [1], quantum technology has grown significantly and is rapidly approaching high levels of maturity.

Quantum cryptography enables the distribution of 'information-theoretically' secure (ITS)... more Quantum cryptography enables the distribution of 'information-theoretically' secure (ITS) keys, whose secrecy is guaranteed by the laws of quantum physics. Such a level of security is superior to conventional 'classical' cryptography whose security is at most 'computational', and even this lower security level is unverified in many cases. Fiber-based quantum key distribution (QKD) systems for link distances up to hundred kilometers are already available on the market since several years. However, there is no practical way to cover larger distances without employing a space-based relay. Therefore we propose here network architectures for space-optical quantum communication services. By a trade-off process between performance and cost, we have identified three scenarios that are capable to provide a large number of users on ground with ITS keys at affordable service fees. Here we detail the architectures of space, ground and control segment for operational spac...

Quantum Information Processing, 2013

The ability to generate entangled photon-pairs over a broad wavelength range opens the door to th... more The ability to generate entangled photon-pairs over a broad wavelength range opens the door to the simultaneous distribution of entanglement to multiple users of a network using a single source and wavelength-division multiplexing technologies. Here we show the design of a metropolitan optical network made of tree-type access networks where entangled photon-pairs are distributed to any pair of users, independently of their location. The resulting network improves the reach, number of users and capabilities of existing proposals. Moreover, it is made up of typical commercial components and uses the existing infrastructure, which allows for moderate deployment costs. Finally, we develop a channel plan and a network design that allow direct optical communications, quantum and classical, between any pair of users. Therefore, multiple quantum information technologies can make use of this network.

ArXiv, 2009

Quantum cryptographic technology (QCT) is expected to be a fundamental technology for realizing l... more Quantum cryptographic technology (QCT) is expected to be a fundamental technology for realizing long-term information security even against as-yet-unknown future technologies. More advanced security could be achieved using QCT together with contemporary cryptographic technologies. To develop and spread the use of QCT, it is necessary to standardize devices, protocols, and security requirements and thus enable interoperability in a multi-vendor, multi-network, and multi-service environment. This report is a technical summary of QCT and related topics from the viewpoints of 1) consensual establishment of specifications and requirements of QCT for standardization and commercialization and 2) the promotion of research and design to realize New-Generation Quantum Cryptography.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is maturing quickly. However, the current approaches to its networ... more Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is maturing quickly. However, the current approaches to its network use require conditions that make it an expensive technology. All the QKD networks deployed to date are designed as a collection of dedicated point-to-point links that use the trusted repeater paradigm. Instead, we propose a novel network model in which QKD systems use simultaneously quantum and conventional signals that are wavelength multiplexed over a common communication infrastructure. Signals are transmitted end-to-end within a metropolitan area using optical components. The model resembles a commercial telecom network and takes advantage of existing components, thus allowing for a cost-effective and reliable deployment.

Software Defined Networks (SDN) represent a major paradigm change in communications networks. It ... more Software Defined Networks (SDN) represent a major paradigm change in communications networks. It provides a level of abstraction and independence from the traditional networking practice that allows for a fast path of innovation and, specifically, opens new opportunities for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks. In this contribution we explore the implications of this paradigm for the deployment of QKD in practice from the point of view of telecommunications? providers, network equipment manufacturers and applied research and development. We propose a generic quantum-aware SDN architecture and two applications, a generic end to end encryption one and other for the network infrastructure itself.

The nature of network services is drastically affecting the way the infrastructure is evolving. N... more The nature of network services is drastically affecting the way the infrastructure is evolving. New demands require new capabilities, forcing the infrastructure to dynamically adapt to new scenarios. Novel network paradigms, such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), have appeared to provide flexibility for network management and services. On the other hand, traditional cryptographic protocols rely on certain mathematical problems (e.g. integer factorization, discrete logarithms or elliptic curves) that are believed not to be efficiently solvable using conventional computing. This assumption is being revisited because of quantum computing, which may put at risk the traditional schemes used for network security. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a technique for providing synchronized sources of random and secure symmetric keys between two separated locations. Its security is based on the fundamental laws of quantum physics, according to whic...

OSA Advanced Photonics Congress (AP) 2019 (IPR, Networks, NOMA, SPPCom, PVLED), 2019

We report on the Madrid Quantum Network, designed to demonstrate that a telecommunications networ... more We report on the Madrid Quantum Network, designed to demonstrate that a telecommunications network can also host quantum communications in a unified, logical and physical infrastructure. Using new Quantum Key Distribution systems paired with modern networking paradigms, we demonstrate a high technology readiness level of QKD installing the network in production facilities and running relevant use cases.

Quantum Reports

We present a demonstration of software defined networking (SDN) services utilizing quantum key di... more We present a demonstration of software defined networking (SDN) services utilizing quantum key distribution (QKD) technology, fully integrated with standard telecommunication network connecting production facilities of Telefonica in Madrid. All communications “co-propagate” over the same fiber infrastructure.

Quantum

We present a pilot-assisted coherent intradyne reception methodology for CV-QKD with true local o... more We present a pilot-assisted coherent intradyne reception methodology for CV-QKD with true local oscillator. An optically phase-locked reference tone, prepared using carrier-suppressed optical single-sideband modulation, is multiplexed in polarisation and frequency to the 250 Mbaud quantum signal in order to provide optical frequency- and phase matching between quantum signal and local oscillator. Our concept allows for high symbol rates and can be operated at an extremely low excess-noise level, as validated by experimental measurements.

Journal of Optical Communications and Networking

Today's networks are quickly evolving towards more dynamic and flexible infrastructures and archi... more Today's networks are quickly evolving towards more dynamic and flexible infrastructures and architectures. This software-based evolution has seen its peak with the development of software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) paradigms. These new concepts allow operators to automate the setup of services, reducing costs in deploying and operating the required infrastructure. On the other hand, these novel paradigms expose new vulnerabilities, as critical information travels through the infrastructure from central offices, down to remote data centers and network devices. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a state of the art technology that can be seen as a source of symmetric keys in two separated domains. It is immune to any algorithmic cryptanalysis, thus suitable for long term security. This technology is based on the laws of physics, that forbid to copy the quantum states exchanged between two endpoints from which a secret key can be extracted. Thus, even though it has some limitations, a correct implementation can deliver keys of the highest security. In this paper, we propose the integration of QKD systems with wellknown protocols and methodologies to secure the network's control plane in an SDN and NFV environment. Furthermore, we experimentally demonstrate a workflow where QKD keys are used together with classically generated keys to encrypt communications between cloud and SDN platforms for setting up a service via secure shell (SSH), while showcasing the applicability to other cryptographic protocols.

Journal of Lightwave Technology, 2015

Single photon detectors are important for a wide range of applications each with their own specif... more Single photon detectors are important for a wide range of applications each with their own specific requirements, which makes necessary the precise characterization of detectors. Here, we present a simple and accurate methodology of characterizing dark count rate, detection efficiency, and afterpulsing in single photon detectors purely based on their counting statistics. We demonstrate our new method on a custom-made, free-running single photon detector based on an InGaAs based avalanche photo diode (APD), though the methodology presented here is applicable for any type of single photon detector.

2014 IEEE Globecom Workshops (GC Wkshps), 2014

We discuss the ongoing worldwide activity to develop forward looking standards for quantum key di... more We discuss the ongoing worldwide activity to develop forward looking standards for quantum key distribution (QKD) in the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) QKD industry specification group (ISG). The long term goal is to develop a certification methodology that bridges the gap between theoretical proofs and practical implementations with imperfect devices. Current efforts are focused on the handling of side channels and characterization of the most relevant components.

ABSTRACT The main results of the integrated EC project SECOQC are presented with a focus on the S... more ABSTRACT The main results of the integrated EC project SECOQC are presented with a focus on the SECOQC prototype-a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) back-bone network, formed by eight QKD-Link devices.

Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 2009