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Journal of Lightwave Technology

Optimization of Hierarchical Routing and Resource Allocation for Power Communication Networks With QKD

Jiexiao Yu, Shuwen Qiu, Ting Yang

Published Sep 25, 2023• 10 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The current power service communication relies on classical cryptographic systems, which is vulnerable to attacks from quantum computers. The emerging quantum key distribution (QKD) technology offers information theoretical security, which makes it a promising solution for securing the power backbone communication network. However, integrating QKD and classical power communication on the same fiber can result in significant interference. The primary challenge is to ensure the success rate of QKD and the quality of service (QoS) of power services simultaneously. To address this challenge, this article proposes a network slicing algorithm based on hierarchical routing and dynamic resource allocation (HRDRA). Specifically, a multi-constrained acyclic k shortest path algorithm based on the hierarchical mechanism is developed to achieve differentiated resource mapping of QKD and power service slices. Furthermore, a slicing resource allocation scheme based on chance constrained optimization is designed to improve the flexibility and utilization of resources. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm effectively guarantee the isolation of QKD and power services, and achieve a high key exchange success rate and better QoS for power services.

DOI
10.1109/jlt.2023.3318651

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The current power service communication relies on classical cryptographic systems, which is vulnerable to attacks from quantum computers. The emerging quantum key distribution (QKD) technology offers information theoretical security, which makes it a promising solution for securing the power backbone communication network. However, integrating QKD and classical power communication on the same fiber can result in significant interference. The primary challenge is to ensure the success rate of QKD and the quality of service (QoS) of power services simultaneously. To address this challenge, this article proposes a network slicing algorithm based on hierarchical routing and dynamic resource allocation (HRDRA). Specifically, a multi-constrained acyclic k shortest path algorithm based on the hierarchical mechanism is developed to achieve differentiated resource mapping of QKD and power service slices. Furthermore, a slicing resource allocation scheme based on chance constrained optimization is designed to improve the flexibility and utilization of resources. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm effectively guarantee the isolation of QKD and power services, and achieve a high key exchange success rate and better QoS for power services.
Abstract With the rapid development of quantum communication technology, quantum key distribution (QKD) provides unconditional secure communication based on the principles of quantum mechanics. In the scenario of multi-service concurrency, it faces the challenges of dynamic resource allocation and complex network scheduling. The traditional key pool management mechanism has problems such as low key resource utilization and difficulty in coordinating multi-dimensional constraints in path optimization, which cannot meet the dynamically changing service quality requirements. This study proposes a quantum key pool architecture with dynamic resource management capabilities. The architecture adopts hierarchical key pool management and adds key recovery mechanism and key dynamic transfer function. For the path optimization problem under multiple constraints, the Lagrangian dual decomposition method is used to establish a mathematical model. The model considers multiple key factors such as bandwidth and delay, and designs an efficient heuristic algorithm to solve the optimal routing strategy. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has good performance in terms of service request success rate, key resource utilization, key remaining rate, etc. This study provides a new idea for key distribution and resource allocation in quantum networks, which will help promote the further development of quantum communication technology.
Quantum communication is a promising technique for enhancing the information security. However, the limited availability of quantum keys due to low generation rates still remains a challenge in the quantum key distribution of power systems. To address this issue and optimize the utilization of quantum resources in the gradually developed quantum-secured power communication systems, this article proposes a hybrid resource optimization method by leveraging network virtualization technologies. First, we present a virtualized architecture using software-defined networking and network function virtualization to support multiapplication scenarios in power system communications. Subsequently, a two-stage resource optimization strategy is proposed to manage both classical and quantum resources. At the first stage, we design a network slicing scheme for allocating classical communication resources, such as channel capacity and time delay. This scheme aims to segregate information flows from applications with diversified quality of service requirements. At the second stage, encryption resources are allocated by matching limited quantum keys with communication requests with different priorities, thereby improving the overall performance of quantum-classical power communication systems. Finally, we construct a cosimulation testbed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method through case studies.
Hybrid-trusted Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks face unique security challenges due to semi-trusted nodes. These nodes may introduce security threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks and key storage side-channel leakage. With the increasing complexity of QKD network architectures and expanding application scenarios, substantial divergences have emerged between user requirements for communication duration and cryptographic security demands. To address security challenges in hybrid-trusted QKD environments and provide differentiated services for users with varying requirements, this paper proposes a Service Requirement-based Hybrid-Trusted QKD Network (SRHT-QKDN) routing scheme. We propose a time-slot allocation model for QKD that employs time-slot resources as substitutes for key-generation resources in resource allocation processes. For sustained key distribution required by prolonged communications, the scheme implements two distinct time slot allocation algorithms: continuous-consistent and discrete-inconsistent allocation, enabling periodic quantum key updates. Concurrently, QKD requests are classified into three security levels, with corresponding routing strategies developed for each tier to achieve security service differentiation while maintaining routing success rates. Simulations conducted under four distinct operational conditions demonstrate that the SRHT-QKDN routing scheme not only effectively fulfills key continuity requirements but also achieves optimal overall performance in request success rate and security assurance, outperforming two benchmark routing schemes.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a symmetric key exchange mechanism designed to enhance the security of current communication systems. Although QKD provides unconditional security, it also comes with deployment challenges. One challenge is the distance limitation between the transmitter and receiver, which restricts the large-scale adoption of QKD. To overcome this, trusted relays are used as intermediate nodes, allowing QKD to evolve from distance-limited point-to-point connections to unlimited QKD networks (QKDN). With an increasing deployment of QKD and a growing number of applications requesting keys, quality of service (QoS) constraints must be set for efficient key resource management to alleviate the risk of rejecting application requests. In this work, we integrate key delivery delay and maximum requested key size as QoS constraints in a novel key allocation algorithm built on three QKDN layers – quantum, key management and service. Moreover, we design key relaying using quantum key pools and virtual quantum key pools as storage mechanisms. We use static and dynamic weights for relay path computation and evaluate their impact on the proposed key allocation strategies with QoS constraints and find that static weights show a good overall performance for QKDN, while performance with dynamic weights varies based on historical key consumption data.
The power communication system provides powerful technical support for realizing the intelligent operation and information management of the power grid and improving the operation efficiency and power supply quality of the power grid. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is considered one of the most promising technologies for commercialization. QKD uses a single photon to encrypt data to produce a more secure and reliable password. This paper intends to study the hierarchical, centralized control architecture of power dispatching based on quantum essential supply (QKD). The performance indexes of MDI-QKD under symmetric and asymmetric conditions were studied by local optimization. The optimal key formation rate of the algorithm is analyzed. From the perspective of quantum critical utilization, a quantum key utilization scheme for grid backbone dispatching service is proposed. The dynamic adjustment test of multi-node time slot and service key update rate is carried out. Experiments show that the MDI scheme can effectively improve the effectiveness of a multi-node QKD system. Thus, the security of data transmission of the core business of power dispatching data networks can be ensured to the greatest extent. AMDI can effectively reduce the transmission timeout of low-priority data streams because the delay of high-priority data streams reaches the proportion. It can be an excellent solution to the power system and the password requirements.
As an emerging technology, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) can provide information-theoretically secure keys for cryptographic purposes and it attracts worldwide attention. To extend its service capabilities from point-to-point communication to arbitrary remote communication parties, large-scale QKD network construction is underway. However, the dynamic and limited available resources of QKD networks remain a major obstacle to routing design. Numerous studies aim at designing routing schemes to maximize the overall network performance. While these routing schemes efficiently support end-to-end key relaying, their effectiveness diminishes when addressing diverse Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. In this paper, we propose an on-demand routing scheme with QoS provisioning to enhance end-to-end key relaying rates. Our scheme operates in two phases: an on-demand resource probing phase to dynamically update global network resource information and a routing decision phase that leverages a maximum flow model to optimize key relaying while satisfying rate-demand constraints. Simulation results on the SimQN platform demonstrate that the proposed scheme significantly improves end-to-end key relaying through-put and delay, providing effective QoS support for rate-demand QKD applications.