In this paper, we present modeling a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system with its components using the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) formalism. The DEVS formalism assures the developed component models are composable and exhibit well-defined temporal behavior independent of the simulation environment. These attributes enable users to assemble a valid simulation using any collection of compatible components to represent complete QKD system architectures. To illustrate the approach, we introduce a prototypical “prepare and measure” QKD system, decompose one of its subsystems, and present the detailed modeling of the subsystem using the DEVS formalism. The developed models are provably composable and exhibit behavior suitable for the intended analytic purpose, thus improving the validity of the simulation. Finally, we examine issues identified during the verification of the conceptual DEVS model and discuss the impact of these findings on implementing a hybrid QKD simulation framework.
In this paper, we present modeling a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system with its components using the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) formalism. The DEVS formalism assures the developed component models are composable and exhibit well-defined temporal behavior independent of the simulation environment. These attributes enable users to assemble a valid simulation using any collection of compatible components to represent complete QKD system architectures. To illustrate the approach, we introduce a prototypical “prepare and measure” QKD system, decompose one of its subsystems, and present the detailed modeling of the subsystem using the DEVS formalism. The developed models are provably composable and exhibit behavior suitable for the intended analytic purpose, thus improving the validity of the simulation. Finally, we examine issues identified during the verification of the conceptual DEVS model and discuss the impact of these findings on implementing a hybrid QKD simulation framework.
Abstract : Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a revolutionary security technology that exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to achieve information-theoretical secure key exchange. QKD is suitable for use in applications that require high security such as those found in certain commercial, governmental, and military domains. As QKD is a new technology, there is a need to develop a robust quantum communication modeling and simulation framework to support the analysis of QKD systems. This dissertation presents conceptual modeling QKD system components using the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) formalism to assure the component models are provably composable and exhibit temporal behavior independent of the simulation environment. These attributes enable users to assemble and simulate any collection of compatible components to represent QKD system architectures. The developed models demonstrate closure under coupling and exhibit behavior suitable for the intended analytic purpose, thus improving the validity of the simulation. This research contributes to the validity of the QKD simulation, increasing developer and user confidence in the correctness of the models and providing a composable, canonical basis for performance analysis efforts. The research supports the efficient modeling, simulation, and analysis of QKD systems when evaluating existing systems or developing next generation QKD cryptographic systems.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is an innovative technology that exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute unconditionally secure shared key for use in cryptographic applications. However, QKD is a relatively nascent technology where real-world system implementations differ significantly from their ideal theoretical representations. In this paper, we introduce a modeling framework built upon the OMNeT++ discrete event simulation framework to study the impact of implementation nonidealities on QKD system performance and security. Specifically, we demonstrate the capability to study the device imperfections and practical engineering limitations through the modeling and simulation of a polarization-based, prepare and measure BB84 QKD reference architecture. The reference architecture allows users to model and study complex interactions between physical phenomenon and system-level behaviors representative of real-world design and implementation tradeoffs. Our results demonstrate the flexibility of the framework to simulate and evaluate current, future, and notional QKD protocols and components.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems are a novel technology that exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute unconditionally secure cryptographic keys between two geographically separated parties. They are suitable for use in applications where high levels of secrecy are required, such as banking, government, and military environments. In this paper, we describe the development of a module-based QKD simulation framework that facilitates the modeling of QKD post-processing functionalities. We highlight design choices made to improve upon an initial design, which included the segmentation of functionalities associated with various phases of QKD post-processing into discrete modules implementing abstract interfaces. In addition, communication between modules was improved by implementing observers to share data, and a specific strategy for dealing with post-processing synchronization and configuration activities was designed. Collectively, these improvements resulted in a significantly enhanced analysis capability to model and study the security and performance characteristics associated with specific QKD system designs.
This article presents the background, development, and implementation of a simulation framework used to model the quantum exchange aspects of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. The presentation of our simulation framework is novel from several perspectives, one of which is the lack of published information in this area. QKD is an innovative technology which exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute unconditionally secure cryptographic keys. While QKD offers the promise of unconditionally secure key distribution, real world systems are built from non-ideal components which necessitates the need to understand the impact these non-idealities have on system performance and security. To study these non-idealities we present the development of a quantum communications modeling and simulation capability. This required a suitable mathematical representation of quantum optical pulses and optical component transforms. Furthermore, we discuss how these models are implemented within our Discrete Event Simulation-based framework and show how it is used to study a variety of QKD implementations.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is an innovative technology which exploits the laws of quantum physics to generate and distribute shared secret key for use in cryptographic devices. Quantum Key Distribution offers the advantage of ‘unconditionally secure’ key generation with the unique ability to detect eavesdropping on the key distribution channel and shows promise for high-security applications such as those found in banking, government, and military environments. However, Quantum Key Distribution is a nascent technology where realized systems suffer from implementation non-idealities, which may significantly impact system performance and security. In this article, we discuss the modeling of a decoy state enabled Quantum Key Distribution system built to study the impact of these practical limitations. Specifically, we present a thorough background on the decoy state protocol, detailed discussion of the modeled decoy state enabled Quantum Key Distribution system, and evidence for component and sub-system verification, as well as, multiple examples of system-level validation. Additionally, we bring attention to practical considerations associated with implementing the decoy state protocol security condition gained from these research activities.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a technology that offers the means for two geographically separated parties to create a shared, unconditionally secure, secret key. QKD is unique in its ability to detect any third-party eavesdropping on the key exchange. While QKD technology offers promise for securing military communications, QKD systems are built using non-ideal components that differ significantly from ideal theoretical implementations. For this reason, there is a need to accurately and efficiently model and simulate different QKD system configurations in order to evaluate their security and performance characteristics. In this paper, we examine two competing ways of modeling a quantum channel within a QKD system: one treats photon packets as wave packets and the other simply as particles with no regard to wave equations. The performance statistics of these simulation models, including speed, memory, and accuracy, are compared with the physical solution and each other to determine the optimal model for use in the specific context of modeling and simulation of QKD systems. The results reveal that the wave packet method, while being approximately 110 times slower than the particle method for modeling single photons, provides the most accurate simulation protocol required for modeling and simulation of QKD systems.