Importance

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Abstract

Using the present cryptographic key exchange protocol, a first of two cryptographic units selects quantities 'A' and 'B.' That same unit then applies a mathematical function '.PHI..sub.1 ' to A and B to compute a third quantity 'C.'. A and B and the function .PHI..sub.1 posses the property that knowing A or B, and C, and the function .PHI..sub.1, it is mathematically impossible to compute the unknown quantity B or A. The first unit then transmits A together C to the second unit while retaining B. The second unit selects a fourth quantity 'D' and then applies a second mathematical function .PHI..sub.2 to A and D to compute a quantity 'E' which the second unit transmits to the first unit while retaining D. The quantities A and D and the function .PHI..sub.2 must posses the property that knowing D and E, and the function .PHI..sub.2, it is mathematically impossible to compute the unknown quantity D. Then the second unit applies a third mathematical function '.PSI..sub.2 ' to D and C to compute the secure key 'K.' The first unit upon receiving the quantity E then applies a fourth mathematical function .PSI..sub.1 to B and E to also compute the secure key K.

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First Claim