Analysis of the position-based quantum cryptography usage in the distributed measurement system

•Presentation of the security problem in the distributed measurement system.•Explanation of the idea of the position-based quantum cryptography.•Analysis of the implementation issues of the position-based quantum cryptography in the distributed measurement system.

The paper presents the analysis of a secure transmission channel between nodes in the distributed measurement system. Its security is discussed, using the position-based scheme, where each node is authenticated based on its geographical position. To decrease the threat of the adversary disguising as the authorized node and eavesdropping the transmission, the quantum cryptography scheme is used. The paper presents the modifications and practical implementation issues of such a communication scheme in the distributed measurement system. Time measurement accuracy and clock synchronization are considered, as well as technical difficulties in delivering the secure quantum channel in the open space.