US 11,930,106 B2
Quantum communication system that switches between quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols and associated methods
Victor G. Bucklew, Richmond, VA (US); James A. Nagel, Fort Wayne, IN (US); and Michael R. Lange, Melbourne, FL (US)
Assigned to EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLC, Melbourne, FL (US)
Filed by EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLC, Melbourne, FL (US)
Filed on Jun. 28, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/851,769.
Application 17/851,769 is a continuation of application No. 16/658,398, filed on Oct. 21, 2019, granted, now 11,418,330.
Prior Publication US 2022/0353067 A1, Nov. 3, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. H04L 9/08 (2006.01); H04B 10/70 (2013.01); H04L 9/12 (2006.01)
CPC H04L 9/0852 (2013.01) [H04B 10/70 (2013.01); H04L 9/12 (2013.01)] 24 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A quantum communications system comprising:
a communications system; and
a quantum key distribution (QKD) system operable with the communications system and comprising a transmitter node, a receiver node, and a quantum communications channel coupling the transmitter node and receiver node;
the transmitter node configured to transmit to the receiver node a bit stream of optical pulses and dynamically switching between first and second QKD protocols based upon at least one changed channel condition caused by at least one changed atmospheric condition.