Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:2603.16690 · International Scientific Journal of Engineering and Management

Secure Quantum Communication: Simulation and Analysis of Quantum Key Distribution Protocols

Mahendra Rasay, Emmanuel D. Sebastian, Subhash Prasad Sah, David Chinamerem Akah, Ajay Kumar Singh

quant-phSubmitted Mar 17, 2026• Announced Mar 18, 2026• 2 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Quantum computing poses significant threats to conventional cryptographic techniques such as RSA and AES, motivating the need for quantum secure communication methods. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers information theoretic security based on fundamental quantum principles. This paper presents a simulation-based analysis of well-known QKD protocols, namely BB84, B92, and E91, using the IBM Qiskit framework. Realistic quantum channel effects, including noise, decoherence, and eavesdropping, are modeled to evaluate protocol performance. Key metrics such as error rate, secret key generation, and security characteristics are analyzed and compared. The study highlights practical challenges in QKD implementation, including hardware limitations and channel losses, and discusses insights toward scalable and robust quantum communication systems. The results support the feasibility of QKD as a promising solution for secure communication in the quantum era.

DOI
10.55041/ISJEM06287
Comments
19 pages, 22 figures, Submitted to Advanced Quantum Technologies(Wiley)

Related papers

Quantum Key Distribution Protocols: Security Analysis and Real-World Implementations

Murali Krishna Pasupuleti

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has emerged as a critical component of secure communication in the post-quantum era. This study provides a comparative security and performance analysis of leading QKD protocols—BB84, E91, and Continuous Variable QKD—using experimental and simulated data from terrestrial and satellite-based implementations. Key metrics such as secret key rate, bit error rate, and resistance to quantum attacks are analyzed. Regression and predictive modeling are used to quantify performance decay over distance and noise. The results indicate BB84's robustness and broad applicability, while CV-QKD offers throughput advantages in short-range networks. Keywords: Quantum Key Distribution, QKD, BB84, E91, Continuous Variable QKD, Cryptographic Security, Quantum Communication, Post-Quantum Security

International Journal of Academic and Industrial Research Innovations(IJAIRI)•Jun 27, 2025•1 citation

Evaluating the Potential of Quantum Key Distribution in Securing Communication Systems Against Classical and Post-Quantum Threats

Devyansh Chandra

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is increasingly recognized as a robust solution to the vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing to classical encryption systems. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the BB84 protocol, the foundational QKD scheme, through simulated quantum communication using IBM’s Qiskit framework. The study models quantum key exchange under both ideal and adversarial conditions, including channel noise and intercept-resend attacks. The Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) was measured as a function of noise intensity and eavesdropping, confirming that QBER increases predictably in compromised channels. A threshold of 11% QBER was used to determine the viability of secure key generation. Final key retention rates were analyzed across multiple channel scenarios, revealing BB84’s sensitivity to both photon loss and adversarial interference.\n\nSecurity vulnerabilities such as photon-number-splitting and detector blinding were assessed, and countermeasures including decoy-state protocols and authenticated classical channels were proposed. Four key performance graphs were generated to visualize system behavior under realistic operational conditions. The results support BB84’s theoretical advantage in ensuring information-theoretic security while acknowledging real-world limitations in transmission range and hardware reliability. The paper concludes by addressing future improvements in QKD systems, including satellite-based distribution, quantum repeaters, and device-independent implementations. Through simulation-driven analysis, this study validates BB84 as a practical defense against quantum-enabled attacks and underscores the need for continued development and standardization in post-quantum cryptographic infrastructure.

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research•Jun 1, 2025•0 citations

Quantum Cryptography Simulation

R. Goutam, Shwetha S, T R Loukya +2 more

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.

International Conference on Advancement in Futuristic Technologies (ICAFT)•Dec 19, 2025•0 citations

Quantum cryptography assessing the security and practicality of quantum key distribution in modern communication networks

Abha Kiran Rajpoot, Dharmesh Dhabliya, V. N. Trupti +3 more

The increasing number of cyber threats and the approaching development of quantum computing demand a critical review of existing cryptographic approaches. The goal of this work is to evaluate the security and practicality of utilizing Quantum Key Distribution for secure communications. QKD utilizes the laws of quantum mechanics to provide a secure and unbreakable method for exchanging information. Protocols like BB84 are resistant to threatening attacks from both classical and quantum adversaries. The methodology utilizes simulated models and quantum communication toolkits to study critical characteristics such as key generation speed, QBER, latency and scalability. Performance of QKD is compared to that of classical schemes such as RSA-2048, ECC-256 and AES-256. Results reveal that although QKD provides unparalleled theoretical security, its deployment has notable obstacles such as intricate infrastructure, restrictions on distance and elevated latency. Our study reveals that optimizing the interplay between security and practicality in QKD deployment can yield a highly effective safeguard for next-generation communication networks.

Journal of Discrete Mathematical Sciences and Cryptography•Jan 1, 2026•0 citations

The Quantum Key Distribution Protocol E91- A Premier Method to Secure Communication

Kartheek Ravipati, Srikanth Vemuru

Current communication systems predominantly operate using classical bits, with security mechanisms grounded in traditional cryptographic techniques. These conventional methods rely on the computational difficulty of discrete mathematical problems, which are expected to be vulnerable in the emerging quantum era. The advent of quantum computing poses a significant threat to existing cryptographic protocols, as quantum algorithms can potentially break schemes once considered computationally intractable. This scenario has accelerated interest in quantum cryptography, an advanced paradigm that leverages the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics to ensure secure data transmission. Quantum cryptography, and in particular Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), offers a robust alternative to classical key exchange methods. Unlike classical schemes, QKD’s security is rooted in the physical properties of quantum states, making it immune to computational advancements, including those offered by quantum computers. Among the various QKD protocols, the E91 protocol, based on quantum entanglement, demonstrates significant potential for enhancing communication security and resilience against cyber-attacks. This study investigates the role of quantum cryptography in safeguarding data transfer, with a specific focus on the E91 QKD protocol. It explores the operational principles, security advantages, and practical considerations of E91 in the context of evolving cybersecurity threats. By providing a detailed examination of E91’s implementation and performance, this research contributes novel insights into its feasibility as a cornerstone technology for building secure communication frameworks in the post-quantum era.

International Journal of Environmental Sciences•Sep 2, 2025•0 citations

Security Analysis of the BB84 Quantum Key Distribution Protocol Using Qiskit

Tushar Kumar Chauhan, Sharon Rose J, Rinisha Jeshni K +2 more

The rapid progress of quantum computing demands secure communication protocols which are beyond classical cryptographic techniques. This necessity of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is met by providing security relying on the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics. In the work presented, the BB84 protocol is implemented using Qiskit platform provided by IBM. The performance is analyzed for both the ideal channel conditions and an intercept–resend eavesdropping scenario studying its security behavior and performance. 100% key agreement is observed with a QBER of 0% for the BB84 protocol executed under the ideal condition. When an eavesdropper is introduced, the QBER increases significantly, ranging from 16% to 38%, exceeding the acceptable security threshold of 11% and resulting in complete rejection of the generated key. Performance analysis carried out for key sizes between 100 and 1000 qubits shows that the execution time follows O(n) trend growing linearly. This simulation validates the correct operation of the BB84 protocol and demonstrates a detailed performance and security analysis of a QKD system using IBM Qiskit.

International Conference on Devices, Circuits and Systems (ICDCS)•Mar 27, 2026•0 citations
Quantum computing poses significant threats to conventional cryptographic techniques such as RSA and AES, motivating the need for quantum secure communication methods. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers information theoretic security based on fundamental quantum principles. This paper presents a simulation-based analysis of well-known QKD protocols, namely BB84, B92, and E91, using the IBM Qiskit framework. Realistic quantum channel effects, including noise, decoherence, and eavesdropping, are modeled to evaluate protocol performance. Key metrics such as error rate, secret key generation, and security characteristics are analyzed and compared. The study highlights practical challenges in QKD implementation, including hardware limitations and channel losses, and discusses insights toward scalable and robust quantum communication systems. The results support the feasibility of QKD as a promising solution for secure communication in the quantum era.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has emerged as a critical component of secure communication in the post-quantum era. This study provides a comparative security and performance analysis of leading QKD protocols—BB84, E91, and Continuous Variable QKD—using experimental and simulated data from terrestrial and satellite-based implementations. Key metrics such as secret key rate, bit error rate, and resistance to quantum attacks are analyzed. Regression and predictive modeling are used to quantify performance decay over distance and noise. The results indicate BB84's robustness and broad applicability, while CV-QKD offers throughput advantages in short-range networks. Keywords: Quantum Key Distribution, QKD, BB84, E91, Continuous Variable QKD, Cryptographic Security, Quantum Communication, Post-Quantum Security
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is increasingly recognized as a robust solution to the vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing to classical encryption systems. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the BB84 protocol, the foundational QKD scheme, through simulated quantum communication using IBM’s Qiskit framework. The study models quantum key exchange under both ideal and adversarial conditions, including channel noise and intercept-resend attacks. The Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) was measured as a function of noise intensity and eavesdropping, confirming that QBER increases predictably in compromised channels. A threshold of 11% QBER was used to determine the viability of secure key generation. Final key retention rates were analyzed across multiple channel scenarios, revealing BB84’s sensitivity to both photon loss and adversarial interference.\n\nSecurity vulnerabilities such as photon-number-splitting and detector blinding were assessed, and countermeasures including decoy-state protocols and authenticated classical channels were proposed. Four key performance graphs were generated to visualize system behavior under realistic operational conditions. The results support BB84’s theoretical advantage in ensuring information-theoretic security while acknowledging real-world limitations in transmission range and hardware reliability. The paper concludes by addressing future improvements in QKD systems, including satellite-based distribution, quantum repeaters, and device-independent implementations. Through simulation-driven analysis, this study validates BB84 as a practical defense against quantum-enabled attacks and underscores the need for continued development and standardization in post-quantum cryptographic infrastructure.
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.
The increasing number of cyber threats and the approaching development of quantum computing demand a critical review of existing cryptographic approaches. The goal of this work is to evaluate the security and practicality of utilizing Quantum Key Distribution for secure communications. QKD utilizes the laws of quantum mechanics to provide a secure and unbreakable method for exchanging information. Protocols like BB84 are resistant to threatening attacks from both classical and quantum adversaries. The methodology utilizes simulated models and quantum communication toolkits to study critical characteristics such as key generation speed, QBER, latency and scalability. Performance of QKD is compared to that of classical schemes such as RSA-2048, ECC-256 and AES-256. Results reveal that although QKD provides unparalleled theoretical security, its deployment has notable obstacles such as intricate infrastructure, restrictions on distance and elevated latency. Our study reveals that optimizing the interplay between security and practicality in QKD deployment can yield a highly effective safeguard for next-generation communication networks.
Current communication systems predominantly operate using classical bits, with security mechanisms grounded in traditional cryptographic techniques. These conventional methods rely on the computational difficulty of discrete mathematical problems, which are expected to be vulnerable in the emerging quantum era. The advent of quantum computing poses a significant threat to existing cryptographic protocols, as quantum algorithms can potentially break schemes once considered computationally intractable. This scenario has accelerated interest in quantum cryptography, an advanced paradigm that leverages the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics to ensure secure data transmission. Quantum cryptography, and in particular Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), offers a robust alternative to classical key exchange methods. Unlike classical schemes, QKD’s security is rooted in the physical properties of quantum states, making it immune to computational advancements, including those offered by quantum computers. Among the various QKD protocols, the E91 protocol, based on quantum entanglement, demonstrates significant potential for enhancing communication security and resilience against cyber-attacks. This study investigates the role of quantum cryptography in safeguarding data transfer, with a specific focus on the E91 QKD protocol. It explores the operational principles, security advantages, and practical considerations of E91 in the context of evolving cybersecurity threats. By providing a detailed examination of E91’s implementation and performance, this research contributes novel insights into its feasibility as a cornerstone technology for building secure communication frameworks in the post-quantum era.
The rapid progress of quantum computing demands secure communication protocols which are beyond classical cryptographic techniques. This necessity of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is met by providing security relying on the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics. In the work presented, the BB84 protocol is implemented using Qiskit platform provided by IBM. The performance is analyzed for both the ideal channel conditions and an intercept–resend eavesdropping scenario studying its security behavior and performance. 100% key agreement is observed with a QBER of 0% for the BB84 protocol executed under the ideal condition. When an eavesdropper is introduced, the QBER increases significantly, ranging from 16% to 38%, exceeding the acceptable security threshold of 11% and resulting in complete rejection of the generated key. Performance analysis carried out for key sizes between 100 and 1000 qubits shows that the execution time follows O(n) trend growing linearly. This simulation validates the correct operation of the BB84 protocol and demonstrates a detailed performance and security analysis of a QKD system using IBM Qiskit.