Device, method, and system for encrypted communication by using encryption key

摘要

A communication device assigns a key taking the degree of priority of applications into account in a case where a key generation/sharing system in which a plurality of applications are connected to a node is not able to realize key assignment that satisfies the key rates requested by the plurality of applications. For example, the device realizes a method of assigning an application key that takes the degree of priority into account according to which control is performed in such a way that the key rate requested by an important application is preferentially satisfied.

主权项

1. A communication device, comprising:
a memory configured to store therein a degree of priority and a first requested volume for each of a plurality of applications that use an application key, the plurality of applications connected to one or more external devices, the degree of priority being determined in advance based on a user's authority or the type of application, the first requested volume indicating a volume of the application key requested by each of the plurality of applications, the application key being shared with the one or more external devices over one or more links that are encrypted with a link key, the link key being shared by using a quantum key distribution technique; circuitry configured to determine a volume of the application key to be assigned to each application in such a way that a first total value that is a total of the volume of the application key to be assigned to the application is equal to or smaller than a second total value that is a total value of a volume of the application key assignable, that the application key of the first requested volume is preferentially assigned to the application whose degree of priority is higher, and that the application key of the first requested volume or less is assigned to the application whose degree of priority is lower; and the circuitry further configured to assign the application key to the plurality of applications accordingly, wherein two or more of the applications are connected to a single one of the one or more external devices.