Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) technology provides a powerful solution by enabling data transmission across multiple cores within a single fibre, significantly saving physical space and infrastructure costs.
About Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
- It is a secure communication method for exchanging encryption keys only known between shared parties.
- It utilizes the unique properties of quantum mechanical systems to generate and distribute cryptographic keying material using special purpose technology.
- Working: QKD works by transmitting many light particles, or photons, over fiber optic cables between parties.
- Each photon has a random quantum state, and collectively, the photons sent make up a stream of ones and zeros (called qubits).
- Types of QKD:
- Entanglement-based protocols: In this, a source generates entangled pairs of quantum states, and each party receives one member of the pair.
- Prepare-and-measure protocols: In these protocols, the sender prepares a quantum state (often as a superposition of the polarization states of light) and sends it to the receiver, who then measures it.
- Benefits of QKD: Capable of detecting and mitigating eavesdropping (the act of listening to, recording or intercepting private communications) attacks.
- Limitations: Increases infrastructure costs, risk of denial of service, need for specialized equipment, difficulties in integrating with existing networks, etc.
