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The Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation Applications Methodology Technology

Simulating quantum key distribution in fiber-based quantum networks

Dashiell L. P. Vitullo, Trevor Cook, Daniel E. Jones, Lisa Scott, Andrew Toth, Brian T. Kirby

Published Apr 7, 2023• 8 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Quantum networks exploit the unique properties of quantum mechanics to enable communication and networking tasks unavailable to existing distributed classical systems. Recently, the research community has focused considerable effort on the simulation of large-scale quantum networks with the ultimate goal of understanding their general properties, developing technical standards, and estimating their expected performance. However, comparatively little effort has been spent considering how quantum networks may impact tactical scenarios of military relevance where both quantum and classical resources may be severely constrained. Here, we develop a custom framework, called QuanTACT, for quantum network simulation explicitly designed for future integration into existing tactical simulation tools. In particular, our framework extends the existing quantum networking tool, SQUANCH, to include channel models required to simulate deployed fiber environments. Furthermore, we implement the additional subroutines needed to simulate entanglement-based quantum key distribution (QKD) and use published results from various field-deployed QKD experiments to benchmark the performance of our framework.

DOI
10.1177/15485129231154929

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Quantum networks exploit the unique properties of quantum mechanics to enable communication and networking tasks unavailable to existing distributed classical systems. Recently, the research community has focused considerable effort on the simulation of large-scale quantum networks with the ultimate goal of understanding their general properties, developing technical standards, and estimating their expected performance. However, comparatively little effort has been spent considering how quantum networks may impact tactical scenarios of military relevance where both quantum and classical resources may be severely constrained. Here, we develop a custom framework, called QuanTACT, for quantum network simulation explicitly designed for future integration into existing tactical simulation tools. In particular, our framework extends the existing quantum networking tool, SQUANCH, to include channel models required to simulate deployed fiber environments. Furthermore, we implement the additional subroutines needed to simulate entanglement-based quantum key distribution (QKD) and use published results from various field-deployed QKD experiments to benchmark the performance of our framework.
Quantum networks in their most general configuration consist of nodes, containing sources, detectors, memories, and logic gates, connected by both quantum and classical channels. Quantum networks leverage the unique properties of quantum mechanics to enable "beyond classical" communication, sensing, and computing protocols. The research community has recently emphasized computational simulation of these networks as an approach to gauging their performance, understanding their properties, and considering the impact of technical standards. Despite this, the implications of quantum networks in military contexts with limited resources remains underexplored. We review a recently introduced quantum network simulation framework that we developed, named QuanTACT, that is specifically tailored for integration into existing tactical simulation tools, such as the Extendable Mobile Ad hoc Network Emulator (EMANE). The QuanTACT framework is built from the SQUANCH quantum network simulation tool by adding quantum channel models for optical fiber and various subroutines required for entanglement-based QKD simulation such as key sifting, information reconciliation, and privacy amplification. Our choice of SQUANCH as opposed to other quantum network simulation tools is due to the agent-based model utilized by SQUANCH which allows for fully parallelized simulations with multiple agents running their own processes. This distributed architecture is, by design, consistent with EMANE and facilitates future integration. Building off of benchmark results based on field-deployed QKD experiments, we investigate the computational scaling properties of this system for linear chains of nodes that exchange keys via an XOR operation.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a foundational method for the secure generation and distribution of cryptographic keys between network nodes, relying on quantum mechanical principles to provide information-theoretic security. As quantum computing continues to advance, the development of quantum communication networks requires the implementation of complex and secure architectures. However, the deployment of such networks demands considerable financial, technical, and human resources. In this context, simulation tools are essential, as they enable researchers to validate theoretical models, optimize network design, and identify potential vulnerabilities without the need for costly physical infrastructure. The goal of the research was to evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of QNET simulation tool by comparing the outcomes of developed simulation models with empirical data from real QKD networks. While the results in some cases closely aligned indicating a high level of accuracy in modeling QKD networks noticeable discrepancies were observed in certain scenarios. Such an approach not only facilitates more accurate modeling and planning but also promotes the development of scalable, cost effective, and secure quantum communication systems.
The wide range of supported services in modern telecommunication networks has increased the demand for highly secure means of communication. Common security frameworks based on the computational security model are expected to become insecure due to significant advances in quantum computing. Quantum key distribution (QKD), a new secret key agreement primitive, enables long-anticipated practical information-theoretical security (ITS). Over the past two decades, academic and industrial communities have devoted their time and resources to developing QKD-based networks that can distribute and serve ITS keys to remote parties. However, because the availability of QKD network testbeds to the larger research community is limited and the deployment of such systems is costly and difficult, progress in this area is noticeably slow. To address this problem and spur future development and education, we provide a valuable, unique tool for simulating a QKD network. The tool is essential to testing novel network management methodologies applied to large-scale QKD networks. The simulator model contained in the tool was validated by simulating a network with six nodes and three pairs of users. The results indicate that the designed functional elements operate correctly.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) exploits the principles of quantum mechanics to enable information-theoretic security, offering significant advantages over classical cryptographic approaches. Despite extensive experimental demonstrations worldwide, many implementations remain confined to laboratory environments that may be impractical for large-scale deployment. This thesis addresses the critical challenge of making QKD viable within real-world telecommunications networks. Current field trials often prioritise metrics such as distance and key rate at the expense of practicality, employing ultra-low-loss fibres, custom components, and dedicated dark channels. These constraints could hinder integration with existing infrastructure. To overcome these limitations, this work introduces UKQNtel—a testbed designed to incorporate commercial-grade equipment and multiplex quantum and classical traffic. UKQNtel represents the first field trial of a coherent one-way QKD system integrated with a commercial-grade encrypted Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) network, delivering 500 Gbps of encrypted data over 121 km of real-world fibre. The network comprises four trusted-node links, each achieving performance metrics suitable for practical deployment. Complementing the experimental work, novel simulations were developed to predict QKD performance using only fundamental parameters such as distance, wavelength, and optical power; marking a clear improvement over models that require broad assumptions or empirical measurements of an existing QKD link. This simulation develops new tools for simulating non-linear effects such as Raman scattering and four-wave mixing, as well as many other aspects of QKD noise, loss, and detection. Validation against UKQNtel measurements showed strong agreement in attenuation modelling and link-level performance. While secret key rate estimates demonstrate the need to account for additional losses, the model provides a robust foundation for network planning and scalability analysis. This research demonstrates a clear pathway toward practical QKD deployment, combining experimental integration with predictive modelling applicable to larger, more complex networks. The results underscore QKD’s potential to become a cornerstone of future secure communications.
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.