Critical Constraints in Practical Quantum Key Distribution

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a technique for solving the key distribution problem with information theoretic or unconditional security between two legitimate parties. There are many security proofs of quantum cryptographic systems and protocols with certain utopian assumptions. These assumptions are not easy to fulfill when QKD is deployed in practical networks. This paper is an outcome of our research to explore the critical constraints in practical QKD systems.