Quantum Key Distribution Networks

Wanrong Yu, Baokang Zhao, Zhe Yan

Based on the analysis of quantum key distribution (QKD) scenarios, existing point-to-point QKD systems need to be networked for satisfied actual applications. However, the architecture and network layer protocols of existing QKD network have lots of limitations, such as excessive key consumption and inability to achieve random routing. In this paper, we propose the software defined quantum key distribution network (SQN). We introduce the design of the architecture and critical modules for SQN. Analysis results show that SQN can efficiently reduce the secure key consumption and improve the availability and performance of QKD network.

S Zaky Mohamed

Qiaolun Zhang, Omran Ayoub, Jun Wu +2 more

Current and next-generation networks are threatened by emerging attacks from quantum computers. To protect these services against quantum threat, quantum key distribution (QKD) using optical networks is being investigated and tested as a safe countermeasure to provide information-theoretic security. Although recent studies confirm the feasibility of QKD over optical networks, two main technical challenges, among others, remain unaddressed: the limited rate of generating keys requires efficient key distribution to secure the numerous applications, and as key requests from applications can be characterized by different importance, QKD networks need a key distribution platform that accounts for such diversity. To address these challenges, we propose to incorporate the paradigm of Information-Centric Networking (ICN) within the QKD process, and we describe a novel information-centric quantum key distribution (IC-QKD) network for efficient and differentiated key distribution. We first design a semantic-based key distribution scheme, which leverages ICN to incorporate the knowledge of application importance in QKD and to enhance the resource efficiency of QKD by decoupling the sender from its receiver. We then propose an in-network key-caching scheme, which is especially advantageous for multi-cast applications, as keys can be cached and reused for multiple users of a multicast group to accelerate key distribution. Finally, we design a semantic-based application analysis for semantic-based key caching and distribution, which serves various applications with different priorities. Simulation results show that the proposed QKD network can reach up to about 16 percent increase in the capability of serving key requests with respect to the existing QKD network.

K. Yoshino

Roger Colbeck, Dejan Dukaric, Matthias Fitzi +1 more

Peter Horoschenkoff, Johanna Henrich, R. Böhn +20 more

Quantum key distribution networks (QKDNs) enable secure communication even in the age of powerful quantum computers. In the hands of a network operator, which can offer its service to many users, the economic viability of a QKDN increases significantly. The highly challenging operator–user relationship in a large-scale network setting demands additional requirements to ensure carrier-grade operation. Addressing this challenge, this work presents a carrier-grade QKDN architecture, which combines the functional QKDN architecture with the operational perspective of a network operator, ultimately enhancing the economic viability of QKDNs. The focus is on the network and key management aspects of a QKDN while assuming state-of-the-art commercial QKD modules. The presented architecture was rolled out within an in-field demonstrator, connecting the cities of Berlin and Bonn over a link distance of 923 km across Germany. We could show that the proposed network architecture is feasible, integrable, and scalable, making it suitable for deployment in real-world networks. Overall, the presented carrier-grade QKDN architecture promises to serve as a blueprint for network operators providing QKD-based services to their customers.