The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 24, 2014
Filed:
Dec. 02, 2009
Simon Robert Wiseman, Malvern, GB;
Simon Robert Wiseman, Malvern, GB;
Qinetiq Limited, Hampshire, GB;
Abstract
A method of authentication between first (QNodeX) and second (QNodeY) network nodes within a network suitable for implementing quantum cryptography comprises steps in which the first and second nodes each generate a cryptographic hash ([MXY]AI, [MYX]AJ) of a message ([MXY], [MYX]) using respective authentication keys (AI, AJ) shared with a third network node (QNodeW). The messages may be those exchanged between the first and second nodes during agreement of a quantum key to be used between the nodes. An authentication key to be shared by the first and second nodes may be established using the quantum key. The invention therefore allows an authentication key to be established and shared between the first and second network nodes without direct physical intervention. Networks having large numbers of network nodes may be re-keyed following replacement or maintenance of a network node much more quickly and easily than is the case where re-keying is achieved by physically supplying shared authentication keys.