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IET conference proceedings.

Integrating QKD and classical optical networks: an SDN control approach

Emilio Paolini, Nicola Andriolli, Marco Brunero, Paolo Martelli, Alberto Gatto, Marco Ferrari, Alessio Giorgetti

Published Nov 13, 2023• 3 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This demo presents an SDN-based control framework for integrating Quantum Key Distri- bution (QKD) with classical optical networks. It addresses limitations of existing standards, enabling efficient and secure integration of QKD into communication networks. The framework advances the practical deployment of QKD technology in real-world scenarios.

DOI
10.1049/icp.2024.1806

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This demo presents an SDN-based control framework for integrating Quantum Key Distri- bution (QKD) with classical optical networks. It addresses limitations of existing standards, enabling efficient and secure integration of QKD into communication networks. The framework advances the practical deployment of QKD technology in real-world scenarios.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is one of the major cryptographic solutions to tackle the security threats associated to future computational advances, in particular those coming from quantum computing. At the most simple level, QKD can be seen as a highly secure source of symmetric secret keys in two separated places. Nonetheless, the lack of standardization and the strong requirements from the physical layer makes this technology very difficult to integrate in existing infrastructure.However, the success of QKD networks radically depends on the degree in which they can be adopted in the existing infrastructure, and it is a must that it happens via standard protocols and interfaces. The flexibility of novel network paradigms, like Software-Defined Networking (SDN), allows for a faster adoption of new concepts, hardware and services in telecommunications networks. This paradigm can be used for quantum communications, allowing for a fast and scalable deployment of quantum technologies and services in the telecommunications network to a degree that was simply impossible in previous schemes, where the different network devices and their connections should be modified, one by one, to create a quantum communications channel.This tutorial provides an introduction to existing QKD technologies and networks, followed by a descriptive explanation on how SDN principles can be utilized to abstract and integrate QKD systems as part of the network management. This will help to reduce the time-to-market for quantum technologies, and also will make quantum cryptography available as a service to be capitalized by the network operators.
The coexistence of QKD and classical communication systems is described, identifying the principal limitations to its practical realization. The relevance of SDN as a suitable approach for a real integration between QKD and WDM networks is presented, together with the description of novel rateless error correcting codes (ECC) suitable for QKD reconciliation. Preliminary experimental results on a discrete-variable QKD field trial, over production optical fibers deployed in the metropolitan area of Turin in presence of high-bitrate classic channels, are reported. Stable performance on a week-long interval is demonstrated, showing the capabilities of QKD in short/medium reach optical networks. This work is part of the activities of the PON project “Development of quantum systems and technologies for IT security in communication networks” (QUANCOM) which aims to the realization of a metropolitan quantum communication network through the collaboration between universities, research centers and companies operating in the communication market area.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) constitutes a paradigm shift in secure communications. As QKD moves from experimental to operational deployments in optical networks, the need for standardized, programmable, and vendor-neutral control frameworks becomes essential. This demo presents a modular and standards-compliant solution based on NETCONF/YANG framework aligned with ETSI standards, enabling dynamic configuration and monitoring of QKD nodes. A novel integration of physical unclonable functions is introduced, enabling node-level authentication required for quantum key exchange.