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arXiv:2603.01060

Power Network SCADA Quantum Communications: A Comparison of BB84, B92, E91, and SGS04 Quantum Key Distribution Protocols

Hillol Biswas, Kyriakos E. Zoiros

quant-phcs.CRSubmitted Mar 1, 2026• Announced Mar 3, 2026• 0 citations• Revised Apr 6, 2026 (v2)
v1 · Mar 1, 2026v2 · Apr 6, 2026
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Abstract

The current state, emerging trends, and practical challenges of optical fiber-based power network SCADA quantum communication must be addressed to fully utilize the technological platform's potential in real-world power system SCADA communications involving massive volumes of real-time data, as well as in managing, encoding, and applications such as quantum cryptography. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is an essential part of the cybersecurity paradigm for quantum communication. Even though quantum computing with individual circuits yields probabilistic outcomes for the problem at hand, real-world datasets are complex and challenging to handle, even with telemetry. When using the cybersecurity triad of availability, confidentiality, and integrity (CIA) in reverse order (AIC), availability is given priority in electric power networks. This research assesses the use of the BB84, E91, B92, and SARG04 cryptographic protocols by applying them to large, multivariate power-system SCADA datasets and comparing the outcomes. By leveraging the variety of QKD protocols available with quantum electronics hardware, this simulation work provides a promising avenue for developing implementable frameworks and deploying SCADA/PMU networks in actual power systems.

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The current state, emerging trends, and practical challenges of optical fiber-based power network SCADA quantum communication must be addressed to fully utilize the technological platform's potential in real-world power system SCADA communications involving massive volumes of real-time data, as well as in managing, encoding, and applications such as quantum cryptography. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is an essential part of the cybersecurity paradigm for quantum communication. Even though quantum computing with individual circuits yields probabilistic outcomes for the problem at hand, real-world datasets are complex and challenging to handle, even with telemetry. When using the cybersecurity triad of availability, confidentiality, and integrity (CIA) in reverse order (AIC), availability is given priority in electric power networks. This research assesses the use of the BB84, E91, B92, and SARG04 cryptographic protocols by applying them to large, multivariate power-system SCADA datasets and comparing the outcomes. By leveraging the variety of QKD protocols available with quantum electronics hardware, this simulation work provides a promising avenue for developing implementable frameworks and deploying SCADA/PMU networks in actual power systems.
The fast integration of information technology with operational technology in cyber-physical systems (CPS) has introduced new cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure systems including power grids. Current cryptographic systems fail to protect data because emerging quantum computing technology will break existing standard encryption methods. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) employs principles of quantum physics to provide secure communication through an unbreakable method. This paper examines the implementation of QKD technology for CPS systems focusing on SCADA systems of the power grid infrastructure. The paper delivers an extensive evaluation of the QKD system architecture together with feature extraction and classification approaches and practical system implementations. The analysis focuses on hydroelectric systems and wide-area SCADA deployments and post-quantum cryptographic resilience. An extensive review of the existing literature helps us understand the current state, while providing essential knowledge gaps before suggesting research pathways for quantum-enhanced CPS security.
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Quantum computing promises significant computational speed-ups that could compromise the security of current public-key cryptography. As quantum technologies advance, SCADA systems will increasingly require enhanced cybersecurity measures. Two main quantum-safe approaches exist: Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). QKD offers the unique advantage of information-theoretic security, ensuring security regardless of an adversary’s computational power. This thesis addresses two identified research gaps: protecting SCADA networks against potential quantum-computer-based attacks and identifying relevant use cases for QKD to guide further research and adoption. The objective was to assess whether QKD is a viable solution for securing SCADA communications in hydropower plants against quantum threats. The analysis included designing a QKD-based SCADA communication architecture for a hydropower network, conducting a quantum vulnerability assessment, simulating the proposed setup and evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of QKD migration. The results indicate that, at the time of writing, QKD is not a viable option for securing SCADA communications in hydropower plants, as its disadvantages outweigh its benefits. For instance, QKD cannot guarantee availability, which is a critical requirement for SCADA in many critical infrastructures, including hydropower, and it is more costly than alternative quantum-safe solutions.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) brings a revolutionary approach to secure communication by using the principles of quantum mechanics to safeguard the transfer of cryptographic keys.This project explores the practical deployment of two foundational QKD protocols: BB84 and E91.The BB84 protocol secures key distribution through photon polarization, while the E91 protocol uses the unique properties of quantum entanglement to enhance resistance to eavesdropping.By contrasting these quantum methods with classical cryptographic techniques, the study provides a comprehensive look at their relative strengths and limitations.Practical implementation and thorough analysis demonstrate that QKD protocols offer significant advantages in preventing interception, shedding light on their potential role in advancing cryptographic security in the era of quantum technology.This research not only assesses the practical challenges of implementing QKD but also considers future advancements that could broaden its real-world applications.
As the limitations of classical cryptographic systems become increasingly evident in the face of advancing quantum algorithms, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) emerges as a vital paradigm for securing information in next-generation networks. This paper explores the theoretical foundations and protocol architectures underpinning QKD, including BB84, E91, and newer hybrid approaches designed for scalable integration into existing infrastructures. Performance metrics such as key generation rate, error thresholds, and resistance to various attack models are critically examined across both fiber-optic and free-space implementations. Furthermore, the study delves into real-world deployment challenges—ranging from synchronization errors and quantum channel noise to cost-efficiency and interoperability with classical systems. By offering a comparative analysis and proposing optimization strategies, this work aims to pave the way for robust quantum-secure communication protocols suited for large-scale, heterogeneous network environments.
By utilizing concepts from quantum physics like entanglement and superposition, quantum cryptography is revolutionizing data security. This study focuses on the application of classical computational models for simulation-based analysis of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols, namely BB84 and E91. By taking use of quantum features, QKD makes secure key exchange possible and guarantees that any effort at eavesdropping may be identified because of the disruption of quantum states. In order to assess how quantum communication channels behave under different noise and attack scenarios, the study models and simulates these channels. The study evaluates the efficacy and robustness of BB84 and E91 protocols in practical network settings by contrasting their performance and error tolerance. In order to determine if integrating quantum-secured systems with current classical infrastructures is feasible, scalability issues are also investigated. These simulations’ outcomes shed light on feasible security levels, resource needs, and workable deployment tactics. In the end, this research highlights how quantum cryptography may advance the basis for next-generation secure information networks by bridging the gap between theoretical quantum security models and real-world communication systems with the use of strong simulation frameworks.