ChaQra: a cellular unit of the Indian quantum network

Area of Science:

• Quantum Information Science
• Network Security
• Cryptography

Background:

• Current quantum key distribution (QKD) research focuses on increasing transmission distance, key rate, and device independence.
• These isolated advancements face scalability and cost-effectiveness challenges due to specialized hardware and infrastructure needs.
• Future QKD networks require solutions beyond distance, key rate, and quantum security.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present ChaQra, a sub-quantum network designed for scalable and cost-effective quantum-secure communication.
• To address limitations of traditional QKD by integrating crypto-agility, software-defined networking, and enhanced reliability.
• To explore advanced applications of QKD networks, including distributed and multi-party computation.

Main Methods:

• Integration of crypto-agility, allowing seamless incorporation into existing telecommunication fibers.
• Implementation of Software Defined Networking (SDN) for efficient routing across network nodes.
• Development of hybrid quantum-safe cryptography to mitigate denial-of-service attacks and ensure reliability.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a novel sub-quantum network architecture, ChaQra, with core features for enhanced functionality.
• Successfully integrated crypto-agility, enabling deployment within existing telecommunication infrastructure.
• Showcased the potential for QKD networks to support advanced applications beyond secure key distribution.

Conclusions:

• ChaQra offers a scalable and cost-effective approach to building quantum-secure networks.
• The proposed network architecture facilitates integration, reliability, and upgradability for future advancements.
• Results provide a clear pathway for accelerating the development of a quantum-secure Indian subcontinent under the National Quantum Mission.