An Energy Efficient Secure Communications using Quantum Key Distribution in Wireless Sensor Networks

Kunuthuri Munthaz, Bontha Venkata Reddy

Abstract: Quantum-Based Wireless Sensor Networks (QWSNs) represent a promising evolution of traditional wireless sensor networks by integrating quantum communication principles to enhance data transmission security and reliability. This paper presents a systematic review of existing research on energy efficiency, secure communication, and reliable routing protocols in QWSNs. The study examines key advancements in quantum-based routing algorithms, energy optimization techniques, and cryptographic mechanisms that utilize quantum key distribution (QKD) for enhanced network security. Additionally, the review identifies major challenges, including scalability, resource constraints, and implementation complexity in real-world scenarios. By analyzing existing methodologies and highlighting research gaps, this work provides insights into potential directions for developing energy-efficient and secure routing frameworks in next-generation QWSNs. The findings emphasize the need for adaptive, lightweight, and quantum-compatible routing schemes to ensure sustainable and secure communication in future sensor network architectures. Keywords: Quantum-Based Wireless Sensor Networks (QWSNs); Energy Efficiency; Secure Routing; Quantum Key Distribution (QKD); Reliability; Cryptography; Network Optimization; Quantum Communication

Sheng Hui Guo, Shuo Yao, Yinyin Zhang +2 more

Rasiya Anwar, S. Mangayarkarasi

Greater security pledges, reduced latency, and increased energy efficiency are now more important than ever due to the Wireless Sensor Networks' (WSNs) explosive growth. Although they work well for many distributed systems, traditional cryptography techniques are slow for mission-critical sensor applications and are still susceptible to new quantum attackers. In order to improve WSN security and performance, this study proposes a unified framework that combines Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with 5G communication capabilities. This expanded work builds on previous simulation studies before and after the third Doctoral Committee evaluation. It includes a refined 5G-enabled architecture, a lightweight QKD model, and extensive simulations that capture energy consumption, bandwidth variation, latency, Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), and Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER). The findings show that while QKD maintains robust security even under controlled levels of quantum noise, 5G-assisted WSNs greatly increase bandwidth usage and communication delay. The proposed 5G–QKD WSN consistently delivers decreased latency, stable PDR, and enhanced security without imposing severe energy penalties, according to comparative simulations versus classical LEACH and MULE-based baselines. These results lend credence to the viability of hybrid quantum-enhanced wireless networks for critical infrastructure monitoring, smart environments, and future extensive IoT deployments.

P. Adlene Ebenezer, K. Swaroopa, Nidal Al Said +3 more

Hui Li, Yingpei Sun -

Kirankumar Manivannan, Manojkumar Vivekanandan, Saranya G +1 more

Sensor nodes are integral to wireless sensor networks (WSNs) but their deployment across various locations exposes their communications to potential monitoring. Key challenges include message protection and node identification, necessitating efficient mechanisms for key distribution and management, especially in large-scale networks. Quantum cryptography, specifically quantum key distribution (QKD), offers a method to securely establish keys over short distances, leveraging principles like garbage output reduction and quantum communication for enhanced security. To address these issues, reversible logic gates, such as the newly developed