Explorative Implementation of Quantum Key Distribution Algorithms for Secure Consumer Electronics Networks

Abstract

Key distribution techniques are indispensable for maintaining privacy, preventing unauthorized access, and safeguarding sensitive data in consumer electronics networks. Several recent research works focused on developing conventional key distribution protocols for consumer electronics networks. However, conventional key distribution algorithms face several limitations in consumer electronic networks, like key management complexity, key storage issues, and cost and resource constraints with increasing consumer electronic devices. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) techniques overcome the limitations of conventional key distribution techniques and have several advantages, such as eavesdropping detection, intercept-resend attack resilience, trusted party independence, etc. Despite such advantages, no research has explored the potential of QKD techniques in consumer electronics networks. Addressing this research gap, in this work, we conduct a comparative analysis between QKD techniques like BB84, BB92, and E91 and conventional key distribution techniques with a broad evaluation framework that includes metrics including key generation rate, error rate, security level, and time complexity. We have also analyzed the QKD algorithms regarding several resource usage parameters like CPU, memory, disk space, and network usage. We also examine the principles, advantages, limitations, and applicability of securing Web transactions in consumer electronics networks.