Composable end-to-end security of Gaussian quantum networks with untrusted relays

Abstract

Abstract Gaussian networks are fundamental objects in network information theory. Here many senders and receivers are connected by physically motivated Gaussian channels, while auxiliary Gaussian components, such as Gaussian relays, are entailed. Whilst the theoretical backbone of classical Gaussian networks is well established, the quantum analog is yet immature. Here, we theoretically tackle composable security of arbitrary Gaussian quantum networks, with generally untrusted nodes, in the finite-size regime. We put forward a general methodology for parameter estimation, which is only based on the data shared by the remote end-users. Taking a chain of identical quantum links as an example, we further demonstrate our study. Additionally, we find that the key rate of a quantum amplifier-assisted chain can ideally beat the fundamental repeaterless limit with practical block sizes. However, this objective is practically questioned leading the way to future network/chain designs.