Increasing privacy and security concerns in intelligence-native 6G networks require quantum key distribution-secured federated learning (QKD-FL), in which data owners connected via quantum channels can train an FL global model collaboratively without exposing their local datasets. To facilitate QKD-FL, the architectural design and routing management framework are essential. However, effective implementation is still lacking. To this end, we propose a hierarchical architecture for QKD-FL systems in which QKD resources (i.e., wavelengths) and routing are jointly optimized for FL applications. In particular, we focus on adaptive QKD resource allocation and routing for FL workers to minimize the deployment cost of QKD nodes under various uncertainties, including security requirements. The experimental results show that the proposed architecture and the resource allocation and routing model can reduce the deployment cost by 7.72% compared to the CO-QBN algorithm.
Increasing privacy and security concerns in intelligence-native 6G networks require quantum key distribution-secured federated learning (QKD-FL), in which data owners connected via quantum channels can train an FL global model collaboratively without exposing their local datasets. To facilitate QKD-FL, the architectural design and routing management framework are essential. However, effective implementation is still lacking. To this end, we propose a hierarchical architecture for QKD-FL systems in which QKD resources (i.e., wavelengths) and routing are jointly optimized for FL applications. In particular, we focus on adaptive QKD resource allocation and routing for FL workers to minimize the deployment cost of QKD nodes under various uncertainties, including security requirements. The experimental results show that the proposed architecture and the resource allocation and routing model can reduce the deployment cost by 7.72% compared to the CO-QBN algorithm.
Federated learning (FL) is a distributed machine learning paradigm with a promising future, which can preserve data privacy while training the global model collaboratively. However, FL is still facing model confidentiality issues. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a quantum key distribution (QKD) based secure FL scheme to facilitate FL model encryption against network eavesdropping attacks. Specifically, we introduce a stochastic resource allocation scheme for QKD to support FL networks. In the network, remote FL workers are connected to the server to train an aggregated global model in a distributed manner. However, due to the unpredictable number of workers at each location, the demand for secret-key rates to support secure model transmission to the server is not uniform. The proposed scheme can allocate QKD resources (i.e., wavelengths) in a way that minimizes the total cost given the stochastic demand. We formulate the optimization problem for the proposed scheme as a stochastic programming model. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can successfully achieve the cost-minimizing objective while satisfying all uncertain demands and other security constraints.
Federated learning (FL) offers a promising approach to training machine learning models on decentralized data sources without direct data sharing, addressing privacy concerns. However, traditional FL is vulnerable to attacks targeting model updates, potentially compromising data privacy. This paper proposes a novel decentralized federated learning framework that integrates quantum key distribution (QKD) to establish secure keys for data aggregation. The core claim is that QKD significantly enhances the security and efficiency of FL. The proposed system utilizes QKD to generate and distribute shared keys between participating devices, enabling secure aggregation of model updates while mitigating the risk of individual data exposure. This approach directly addresses the security vulnerabilities inherent in standard FL. The framework's architecture relies on a decentralized network topology, further bolstering resilience against single points of failure. Mathematical formulations detailing key aspects of the system, including key distribution protocols, aggregation processes, and security analysis, are presented. This work represents a significant advancement in secure FL by combining the strengths of two cutting-edge technologies: FL and QKD.
AI-native 6G networks are envisioned to tightly embed artificial intelligence (AI) into the wireless ecosystem, enabling real-time, personalized, and privacy-preserving intelligence at the edge. A foundational pillar of this vision is federated learning (FL), which allows distributed model training across devices without sharing raw data. However, implementing classical FL methods faces several bottlenecks in heterogeneous dynamic wireless networks, including limited device compute capacity, unreliable connectivity, intermittent communications, and vulnerability to model security and data privacy breaches. This article investigates the integration of quantum federated learning (QFL) into AI-native 6G networks, forming a transformative paradigm capable of overcoming these challenges. By leveraging quantum techniques across computing, communication, and cryptography within FL workflows, QFL offers new capabilities along three key dimensions: (i) edge intelligence, (ii) network optimization, and (iii) security and privacy, which are studied in this work. We further present a case study demonstrating that a QFL framework employing the quantum approximate optimization algorithm outperforms classical methods in model convergence. We conclude the paper by identifying practical challenges facing QFL deployment, such as quantum state fragility, incompatibility with classical protocols, and hardware constraints, and then outline key research directions toward its scalable real-world adoption.
Collaborative threat intelligence via federated learning (FL) faces critical risks from quantum computing, which can compromise classical encryption methods. This study proposes a quantum-secure FL framework using post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to protect cross-organizational data sharing. We expose vulnerabilities in traditional FL through simulated quantum attacks on RSA encrypted gradients and introduce a hybrid architecture integrating NIST-standardized algorithms CRYSTALS-Kyber for key exchange and CRYSTALS-Dilithium for authentication. Testing on APT attack datasets demonstrated 97.6% threat detection accuracy with minimal latency overhead (18.7%), validating real-world viability. A healthcare consortium case study confirmed secure ransomware indicator sharing without breaching privacy regulations. The work highlights the urgency of quantum ready defenses and provides technical guidelines for deploying PQC in FL systems, alongside policy recommendations for standardizing quantum resilience in threat-sharing networks.
Federated learning (FL) provides a collaborative model allowing multiple entities to collectively train artificial intelligence (AI) systems while minimizing data sharing to enhance privacy. Despite its advancements, traditional FL still faces security issues during the exchange of model parameters. The advent of quantum networks, which offer inherent security benefits, prompts us to introduce a new paradigm: quantum communication-based FL (QC-FL). This robust, scalable framework improves data control and mitigates security risks associated with parameter exchange. Our study outlines the key technologies and architecture underpinning QC-FL, illustrating its utility in safeguarding sensitive patient data and enhancing intelligent transportation systems.
Digital Twin (DT) technology, with Federated Learning (FL), enables decentralised and privacy-aware intelligence of large-scale infrastructures of smart cities. Quantum computing compromises the existing cryptography systems that underlie existing FL frameworks. The current paper presents a Quantum-Secure FL (QSec-FL) architecture that incorporates both Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) as methods to ensure quantum-resistant communication between the IoT, edge, and cloud layers of 6G networks. The framework facilitates real-time DT synchronisation and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) through adaptive model aggregation and secure key management. With the help of a large dataset of SmartCity-6G-QSec, QSec-FL features better robustness, synchronisation integrity, and intrusion resilience than traditional secure FL systems. Additionally, the framework is compliant with the standards of NIST PQC, ETSI QKD, and 3GPP Release 19, ensuring compatibility and readiness for use in future 6G-based infrastructures. QSec-FL is a quantum-resilient security system incorporating federated intelligence to establish a unified, dependable, real-time DT operation and safe AI-based decision-making of the advanced smart cities.