A comprehensive study has been recently made of post-quantum ( q -) and q -cryptography algorithms and their applicability in advanced networks. An insight is provided into the candidate algorithms to replace RSA and ECC schemes. The results of the research suggest that most probably post-q schemes will dominate 6G networks and due to implementation complexity q-solutions will be fully employed in 7G. Since most of these works focus on the cryptography algorithms in this paper, we cover the most important segments of advanced communications and q- networks design that will have to support these algorithms in the future as well as distributed quantum computing applications in general. For the applications in 6G/7G ACCESS networks, existing work on q-key distribution over sub-optical bands, surveyed in Section II, is essential. As a next step, for 6G/7G CORE n et designers, results on dynamic q- networks topology design are reviewed in Section III and its optimization in Section IV including the work on q- networks stability surveyed in Section V. Due to the limited space, survey of the work on q- networks designed over satellite constellations, which are bases for global systems, is left for a separate paper. In Section VI we present new optimization frameworks for cost efficient q-network topology design and optimum resource (capacity and secrete key rates) allocations in these networks.
A comprehensive study has been recently made of post-quantum ( q -) and q -cryptography algorithms and their applicability in advanced networks. An insight is provided into the candidate algorithms to replace RSA and ECC schemes. The results of the research suggest that most probably post-q schemes will dominate 6G networks and due to implementation complexity q-solutions will be fully employed in 7G. Since most of these works focus on the cryptography algorithms in this paper, we cover the most important segments of advanced communications and q- networks design that will have to support these algorithms in the future as well as distributed quantum computing applications in general. For the applications in 6G/7G ACCESS networks, existing work on q-key distribution over sub-optical bands, surveyed in Section II, is essential. As a next step, for 6G/7G CORE n et designers, results on dynamic q- networks topology design are reviewed in Section III and its optimization in Section IV including the work on q- networks stability surveyed in Section V. Due to the limited space, survey of the work on q- networks designed over satellite constellations, which are bases for global systems, is left for a separate paper. In Section VI we present new optimization frameworks for cost efficient q-network topology design and optimum resource (capacity and secrete key rates) allocations in these networks.
Every new generation of mobile networks brings significant advances in two segments, enhancement of the network parameters within the legacy technologies and introduction of new technologies enabling new paradigms in designing the networks. In the first class of enhancements the effort is to increase data rates, improve energy efficiency, enhance connectivity, reduce data transmission latency etc. In the second class of innovations for 6G and 7G, we anticipate focus on optimum integration of advanced ML and AI in general, and quantum computing with the continuous interest in the satellite networks for optimal quantum key distribution . By introducing quantum technology 7G will be able to speed up computing processes in the net, enhance network security as well as to enable distributed QC, which is a new paradigm in computer sciences. Using advanced networks as a basic ingredient of inter system integration, here we focus only on the second segment of anticipated innovations in networking and present a survey of the subset of potential technology enablers for the above concept with special emphasis on the inter dependency of the solutions chosen in different segments of the network. In Section II, we present several anticipated 6G/7G (system of systems type) network optimization examples resulting in a new paradigm of network optimization indicating a need for quantum computing and quantum computing based optimization algorithms. In Section III we survey work on quantum cryptography and QKD.
Quantum computing poses significant challenges to the current cryptographic landscape, particularly with the upcoming deployment of 6G networks. Traditional cryptographic algorithms, such as Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), are vulnerable to quantum-based attacks. This vulnerability has led to the development of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), and Satellite-based QKD solutions. This paper provides a comprehensive review of these quantum-safe technologies, discussing their integration within the context of 6G networks. Key performance indicators (KPIs), scalability issues, and hybrid cryptographic solutions are analyzed, along with the potential of Satellite-based QKD in securing global communications. The paper also explores use cases in healthcare, financial services, defense, and autonomous systems, evaluating future research directions and issues in scaling these quantum-safe technologies across industries.
Quantum computing presents significant issues to the current cryptographic landscape, especially with the upcoming deployment of 6G networks. Traditional cryptographic algorithms, such as Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), are vulnerable to quantum-based attacks, leading to the need for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), and Satellite-based QKD solutions. This paper offers a comprehensive review of these quantum-safe technologies, discussing their integration within the context of 6G networks. Key performance indicators (KPIs), scalability issues, and hybrid cryptographic solutions are analyzed, along with the potential of Satellite-based QKD in securing global communications. The paper also explores use cases in healthcare, financial services, defense, and autonomous systems, evaluating future research directions and issues in scaling these quantum-safe technologies across industries.
As the world prepares for the advent of 6G networks, quantum technologies are becoming critical enablers of the next generation of communication systems. This survey paper investigates the convergence of quantum technologies and 6G networks, focusing on their applications, opportunities and challenges. We begin with an examination of the motivations for integrating quantum technologies into 6G, investigating the potential to overcome the limits of classical computing and cryptography. We then highlight key research gaps, particularly in quantum communication, quantum computing integration and security enhancement. A comprehensive overview of quantum technologies relevant to 6G, including quantum communication devices, quantum computing paradigms, and hybrid quantum-classical approaches is provided. A particular focus is on the role of quantum technologies in enhancing 6G Radio Access Networks (RAN), 6G core and edge network optimization, and 6G security. The survey paper also explores the application of quantum cryptography with a focus on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Quantum Secure Direct Communication (QSDC) and quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms and assesses their implementation challenges and potential impact on 6G networks. We also discuss the significant challenges associated with integrating quantum technologies into existing communications infrastructures, including issues of technological maturity, standardization, and economic considerations. Finally, we summarize the lessons learned from current research and outline future research directions to guide the ongoing development of quantum-enabled 6G networks.
With the advent of 6G communication systems on the horizon, ensuring that they are secure from quantum computing threats, in a post-quantum era, is of paramount importance. Quantum attacks, computational hardness-based classical cryptographic algorithms are becoming more susceptible to quantum attacks. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has been proposed to address this challenge, which can provide unconditional security based on quantum mechanics for establishing security cryptographic keys. In this work, we review how QKD could fit into the 6G design as part of the general siytematic vision of security exploring its potential implementations, the technical feasibility, and the applications considering both fiber and wireless scenarios. We provide a comparative investigation of performance indicators of QKD systems in simulated 6G scenarios: secret key generation rates, quantum bit error rates (QBER), resistance to noise and user mobility. In addition, hybrid security models between classical post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and QKD to achieve multilayered security protocols are demonstrated. Furthermore, the contribution that could be made by AI/ML to improve QKD performance is analyzed, with particular attention to smart error correction, adaptive key management, anomaly detection, and dynamic routing. Despite significant progress, a number of critical challenges are still open in terms of scale, standardization, interoperability and deployment. In Section VI, we offer a forward-looking research direction, highlighting the importance of the AI empowered QKD, protocols global standardization, and creation of realworld testbeds to drive the QKD from the testbed to the 6G network. It is hoped that the insights provide here will inspire research community and industry partners to build quantum-safe communication infrastructure for the future.
Post Quantum and Quantum Cryptography schemes are feasible quantum computer applications for 7G networks. These schemes could possibly replace existing schemes. These algorithms have been compromised by advances in quantum search algorithms run on quantum computers like Shor algorithm. Shor algorithm is a quantum algorithm for finding the prime factors of an integer which is the basis of existing algorithm. This has become an available quantum computer application putting the use of ESA algorithm at risk. Our recent paper provides a detailed survey of the work on post quantum and quantum cryptography algorithms with focus on their applicability in 7G networks. Since the paper focuses on the cryptography algorithms as a follow up, in this paper, we provide a new framework for quantum network optimization and survey in detail the work on enabling technologies (quantum hardware) for the practical implementation of these algorithms including the most important segments of quantum hardware in 7G. As always in engineering practice practical solutions are a compromise between the performance and complexity of the implementation. For this reason, as the main contribution, the paper presents a network and computer applications optimization framework that includes implementation imperfections. The tools should be useful in optimizing future generation practical computer system design. After that a comprehensive survey of the existing work on quantum hardware is presented pointing out the sources of these imperfections. This enables us to make a fair assessment of how much investment into quantum hardware improvements contributes to the performance enhancement of the overall system. In this way a decision can be made on proper partitioning between the investment in hardware and system level complexity.