Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (CEO: Setsuhiro Shimomura), NEC
Corporation (President: Kaoru Yano), and Institute of Industrial
Science, University of Tokyo (President: Hiroshi Komiyama) have
successfully interconnected quantum cryptography systems developed
by Mitsubishi Electric and NEC, the first time such an experiment
has been successful in Japan. The Institute of Industrial Science
at University of Tokyo evaluated the system’s security. Quantum
cryptography guarantees absolute security, underwritten by the laws
of quantum physics.
This achievement was the result of modifying different quantum
encryption systems developed by NEC and Mitsubishi Electric, which
were researched and developed under a quantum encryption technology
project sponsored by the National Institute of Information and
Communication (NICT), Research and Development on Quantum
ryptography, from 2001 to 2005.
Background
Security of most modern cryptography is based on computational
complexity, and the extraordinary time necessary for cryptanalysis.
It has been pointed out that modern cryptography may be threatened
by the increasing speed and ability of computers in the future.
To that end, many are suggesting a shift to using quantum
encryption. This type of optical cryptography uses quantum-state
photons to carry data, and has the advantage of being able to
detect eavesdropping. This results in a physically unbreakable,
ultimate code. However, since there has been no standardization in
the details of the encryption algorithms or the construction of
optical devices necessary in communication, it has not been
possible to interconnect different systems or build a communication
network between different users. We have now developed a technology
that can interconnect Mitsubishi Electric and NEC’s cryptography
systems. This was done on a NICT-developed JGN2 test bed network at
the Akihabara access point. Results verify the potential for our
system to be the foundation for the next generation of secure
networks.
Main Features
1. Confirmed experiment of interconnection between differing
quantum encryption systems.
We developed a new interface and shared encryption key, and
confirmed mutual communication between the differing quantum
cryptography systems developed by Mitsubishi Electric and NEC. This
is a key technology in standardization of quantum cryptography
systems, and will allow for a highly confidential communication
network in the future.
2. Verified safety of interconnected quantum cryptography
systems
Previously it was necessary to receive objective third party
safety certification for the various systems that Mitsubishi
Electric and NEC developed separately. Hideki Imai (The Institute
of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, currently Chuo
University and National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science
and Technology) and his team conducted an observation experiment of
information leaked by eavesdropping as well as weaknesses born from
implementation, and both verified and confirmed the security of the
interconnected quantum cryptography system.
Future Developments
It is hoped that using this technology it will be possible to
realize quantum cryptographic networks within 5 years.
The chart below represents an interconnected quantum encryption
network made of Mitsubishi Electric (Device A, B) and NEC (Device
C, D) quantum encryption systems. In the past, each system was
constructed independently, and communication was done in a closed
system. A way of relaying information was necessary in order to
network the different systems. With this experiment, we were able
to successfully interconnect a quantum encryption network without
any affects on the different systems by developing a new relay
method. The security of the network underwent a theoretical
observation study at Tokyo University’s Institute of Industrial
Science.
Process for a shared key in a quantum encryption network:
First set and apply an appropriate key to the various
communications between devices A,B,C and D. Devices A and B will
share the key K1, and devices C and D will share the key K2. Next,
the key that should eventually be shared by Devices A and D should
be produced at the center, and should be sent to Devices A and D
passing through Devices B and C. Key K1 encrypted Key K3 will be
sent to Device A from Device B, and key K2 encrypted key K3 will be
sent to Device D from Device C. Devices A and D will decipher those
and get key K3.
Using the above procedure, devices A and D can, based on quantum
encryption theory, safely share key K3.Using key K3 as an
encryption key, Device A and Device D can safely share data.
***
JGN2 Akihabara Access Point
JGN2 is a R&D test bed network held by NICT. All prefectures
in Japan as well as the U.S., Thailand, and Singapore all have
access points. It is used in local governments, domestic and
overseas universities, research institutions, private businesses,
etc. for network-related and application technology R&D. The
Akihabara access point in particular has an optical transmission
environment of over 600 km, and can use a 10 Gbps IP network.
http://www.jgn.nict.go.jp/e/index.html
About Mitsubishi Electric
With over 80 years of experience in providing reliable,
high-quality products to both corporate clients and general
consumers all over the world, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
(TSE:6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture,
marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in
information processing and communications, space development and
satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial
technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. The
company recorded consolidated group sales of 3,604309 billion yen
(US$ 30.82 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 20042006.
For more information visit http://global.mitsubishielectric.com
*At an exchange rate of 106 117 yen to the US dollar, the rate
given by the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31,
20042006.
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) is one of the world's leading
providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business
solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse
and global base of customers. NEC delivers tailored solutions in
the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by
integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by
providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics
Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 140,000 people
worldwide and had net sales of approximately 4,825 billion yen
(approx. $41.2 billion) in the fiscal year ended March 2006. For
additional information, please visit the NEC home page at: http://www.nec.com
* Newsroom: http://www.nec.co.jp/press/en/