An overview of Quantum Cryptography for Wireless Networking Infrastructure

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is used in Quantum Cryptographic Systems to exchange secret key between parties who need to communicate secretly. Such a key can be used with a symmetric encryption schemes to establish a secure communication. Until recently, QKD is possible using optical fiber over few tens of kilometers but not more due to single photons getting absorbed by the fiber. There are no commercial wireless quantum crypto products yet, but QKD will soon be used in wireless medium from satellite to the earth so we could get 10,000 miles. But wireless medium brings its own problems. The energy transmitted via a wireless link spreads out, leading to higher and varying transmission losses, ambient daylight, or even light from the moon at night couple into the receiver, leading to a higher error rate. Interference from other photon sources air with clouds, dust and unsettled conditions creates intervention. In this paper, different techniques for communication in Quantum Cryptography using wireless networking infrastructure are discussed.