Operation
A typical operation with a KDC involves a request from a user to use some service. The KDC will use cryptographic techniques to authenticate requesting users as themselves. It will also check whether an individual user has the right to access the service requested. If the authenticated user meets all prescribed conditions, the KDC can issue a ticket permitting access.
KDCs mostly operate with symmetric encryption.
In most (but not all) cases the KDC shares a key with each of all the other parties.
The KDC produces a ticket based on a server key.
The client receives the ticket and submits it to the appropriate server.
The server can verify the submitted ticket and grant access to the user submitting it.
Security systems using KDCs include Kerberos.
Read more about this topic: Key Distribution Center
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