Thanks to the development of 5G technology, the construction of edge data centers has been highly valued. In order to ensure the security of signal transmission in edge data centers, it is a promising measure to apply the quantum key distribution (QKD) technology to edge data centers. To solve the problem of noise interference in the process of applying QKD technology, this paper first proposes the edge-end quantum one-way edge data center architecture, that is, the edge data center that first distributes the data to the surrounding clusters, and then transmits the single data from the edge to the end. Directed quantum signals increase the safe communication distance to meet the requirements of information encryption. Secondly, we conduct research on the four-wave mixing (FWM)noise interference in the architecture and the secure key rate model of the QKD system and perform theoretical calculations of the noise power and the rate of the secure key. Finally, through simulation, we can evaluate that QKD has the characteristic of high degree of security and its performance is affected by channel location, classical signal power and QKD detection efficiency, etc. The FWM noise power increases first and then decreases with the increase of transmission distance, with the maximum distance of 15 km. When the distance between the classical channel and the quantum channel is more than 200 GHz, the effect of FWM noise on QKD is weak.
Thanks to the development of 5G technology, the construction of edge data centers has been highly valued. In order to ensure the security of signal transmission in edge data centers, it is a promising measure to apply the quantum key distribution (QKD) technology to edge data centers. To solve the problem of noise interference in the process of applying QKD technology, this paper first proposes the edge-end quantum one-way edge data center architecture, that is, the edge data center that first distributes the data to the surrounding clusters, and then transmits the single data from the edge to the end. Directed quantum signals increase the safe communication distance to meet the requirements of information encryption. Secondly, we conduct research on the four-wave mixing (FWM)noise interference in the architecture and the secure key rate model of the QKD system and perform theoretical calculations of the noise power and the rate of the secure key. Finally, through simulation, we can evaluate that QKD has the characteristic of high degree of security and its performance is affected by channel location, classical signal power and QKD detection efficiency, etc. The FWM noise power increases first and then decreases with the increase of transmission distance, with the maximum distance of 15 km. When the distance between the classical channel and the quantum channel is more than 200 GHz, the effect of FWM noise on QKD is weak.
To satisfy the urgent requirements of security for fifth generation (5G) fronthaul network, quantum key distribution (QKD) technique is taken into consideration as a promising way. In this paper, we first propose an architecture for quantum security beyond fifth generation (B5G) fronthaul optical network, which merges facilities of QKD into the architecture of existing 5G fronthaul network, enabling quantum signals to be transmitted with classical signals within the same fiber. Secondly, theoretical model analysis of interference with quantum signals caused by four wave mixing noise is performed. Moreover, the theory of secure key rate calculation under noise interference is introduced. Lastly, the QKD performance in the proposed architecture is evaluated, which leads to the conclusion that even when the quantity of B5G fronthaul optical channels for classical signals reaches up to 12, the secure transmission distance of QKD is still beyond 20km, which satisfies the demand of B5G fronthaul optical network.
5G is another age of broadband portable correspondence innovation including high speed, low latency, and large connectivity, and quantum cryptography is a technology of the combination of quantum mechanics and cryptography. In order to combine 5G fronthual with the QKD (quantum key distribution), we conduct research on this paper. First, this paper proposes DWDM-QKD (dense wavelength division multiplexing-quantum key distribution) 5G fronthaul architecture. It contains AAU (active antenna unit) sites, multiplexer, de-multiplexer, and DU (distributed unit) sites. Second, the spontaneous Raman scattering noise interference model is analyzed theoretically, and the secure key rate calculation theory is used. Finally, the simulation evaluates the performance of QKD in the proposed architecture, the reduction of classical power can lead to an increase in the secure key rate.
The rapid evolution of mobile communication technology is propelling us from the era of 5G to the cusp of 6G, which promises ultra-high speeds, ultra-low latency, and seamless global connectivity. However, these ambitious goals require not only significant advancements in traditional communication technologies but also the integration of novel approaches to address emerging security and efficiency challenges. Quantum communication, particularly Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), offers a groundbreaking solution due to its inherent security based on the principles of quantum mechanics. This paper proposes an innovative architecture that combines QKD with Passive Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) for 6G fronthaul networks. The architecture, which includes components for signal transmission, processing, and monitoring, uses WDM to transmit both quantum signals and classical signals over a single fiber, optimizing resource utilization, ensuring security, and enhancing reliability. The quantum signals are detected by single-photon detectors to generate secure keys, while the classical signals carry regular communication data. The passive WDM system efficiently uses fiber resources, is cost-effective, and is easy to upgrade, making it highly compatible with classical optical communication. Extensive simulation experiments are conducted to evaluate the impact of key parameters such as transmission distance, attenuation coefficient, photon count per pulse, dark count rate, and detection efficiency on the secure key rate and quantum error rate. The results indicate that careful optimization of these parameters can substantially enhance system performance, making the architecture highly suitable for high-security transmission scenarios in 6G networks. This research provides new insights into the integration of quantum and classical communications in 6G fronthaul networks, demonstrating the potential of quantum-enhanced 6G networks.
The rapid evolution of mobile communication technology from 5G to 6G brings great opportunities but also poses serious security and privacy challenges. Although 6G networks offer advantages such as ultra-low latency, extremely high data rates, and massive connectivity, their decentralized, AI-driven, and highly virtualized architecture makes them more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Traditional encryption methods are increasingly incapable of defending against emerging attacks. To address this issue, this paper proposes an innovative quantum-secured passive WDM fronthaul architecture that integrates BB84-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with existing WDM fiber communication technology, balancing high security with feasibility. The architecture adopts an asymmetric design: low-cost quantum transmitters are deployed at distributed AAU sites, while high-performance quantum receivers are centrally installed at DU sites. This significantly reduces hardware costs and simplifies large-scale deployment. In addition, a centralized Key Management Center (KMC) is introduced to enable dynamic key distribution and real-time updates, further enhancing the system’s security and operational efficiency. Simulation results show that under a fiber attenuation of 0.20 dB/km and a detection efficiency of 10%, the system can maintain a relatively high secure key rate and an acceptable quantum bit error rate (QBER) over a transmission distance of 170 km. Furthermore, by optimizing key parameters such as detection efficiency, fiber attenuation coefficient, and the average photon number per pulse, the system’s key generation rate and secure transmission distance can be further improved.
The integration of quantum communication principles with 5G technology presents a groundbreaking approach to addressing the growing demand for high-speed, secure, and resilient communication systems. This paper proposes a Quantum-Driven Hybrid Network Architecture that leverages Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for unparalleled security and combines it with 5G's ultra-fast data transmission capabilities. The architecture integrates key components such as QKD modules, 5G infrastructure, and edge computing, organized into a layered framework comprising quantum, network control, and application layers. Simulation results demonstrate significant improvements in throughput (up to 23.5%), latency reduction (up to 25%), and error rate reduction in high-noise environments (from 0.25% to 0.05%). The proposed system also exhibits enhanced security, achieving a 100% success rate in mitigating eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. Using resource-efficient mechanisms, the hybrid network achieves an overall accuracy of 97.8% in secure and resilient data transmission. This work validates the potential of quantum-enhanced 5G systems to meet the challenges of future communication networks.
Theoretical research and numerical simulation of the noise influence caused by spontaneous Raman scattering, four-wave mixing, and linear channel cross talk on the performances of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems were conducted. Three types of QKD systems were considered: a coherent one-way QKD protocol, subcarrier-wave QKD system, and continuous-variable QKD integrated with classical dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) channels. We calculate the secure key generation rate for the systems mentioned addressing different channel allocation schemes (i.e., configurations). A uniform DWDM grid is considered with a quantum channel located in the C-band and O-band (at 1310 nm) of a telecommunication window. The systems’ performances are analyzed in terms of the maximal achievable distance values. Configurations for further analysis and investigation are chosen optimally, i.e., their maximal achievable distances are the best.