The article presents the concept of developing a hardware-software complex (HSC) designed for secure data transmission in mobile networks of$5 \mathrm{G} / 6 \mathrm{G}$standards using advanced quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies. The scientific novelty of the work lies in proposing a mobile communication architecture that integrates quantum cryptographic methods to address current security challenges amid the development of next-generation networks and the emergence of threats from quantum computing. The concept involves creating a complex that combines hardware and software components within a unified architecture, ensuring secure exchange of text, audio, and video messages even in the presence of potential attacks using quantum computing. The proposed concept demonstrates the feasibility of integrating QKD into mobile network infrastructure, laying the foundation for building quantum-resistant communication systems under real-world operational conditions. The main contribution of this work is the development of a universal solution capable of maintaining data integrity and confidentiality in mobile communication channels by leveraging the fundamental principles of quantum physics. The practical relevance of the concept is confirmed by its potential to be adapted for use in critically important infrastructure scenarios and its compatibility with various mobile operating systems, offering a promising approach to ensuring secure data transmission in the context of quantum technology advancement and increased data transmission speeds in 5G/6G networks.
The article presents the concept of developing a hardware-software complex (HSC) designed for secure data transmission in mobile networks of5G/6Gstandards using advanced quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies. The scientific novelty of the work lies in proposing a mobile communication architecture that integrates quantum cryptographic methods to address current security challenges amid the development of next-generation networks and the emergence of threats from quantum computing. The concept involves creating a complex that combines hardware and software components within a unified architecture, ensuring secure exchange of text, audio, and video messages even in the presence of potential attacks using quantum computing. The proposed concept demonstrates the feasibility of integrating QKD into mobile network infrastructure, laying the foundation for building quantum-resistant communication systems under real-world operational conditions. The main contribution of this work is the development of a universal solution capable of maintaining data integrity and confidentiality in mobile communication channels by leveraging the fundamental principles of quantum physics. The practical relevance of the concept is confirmed by its potential to be adapted for use in critically important infrastructure scenarios and its compatibility with various mobile operating systems, offering a promising approach to ensuring secure data transmission in the context of quantum technology advancement and increased data transmission speeds in 5G/6G networks.
Abstract An experimental prototype of a software and hardware complex for secure data transmission in 4G/5G mobile networks is developed using quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies. The structure and fundamental operational principles are outlined, along with details of both hardware and software components. The developed prototype is a fully functional system capable of secure text, audio, and video messaging. Encased in a hermetically sealed ruggedized case, the system can be deployed both indoors and outdoors.
Sixth-generation (6G) networks offer unprecedented ultra-reliability, capacity, and low-latency communication. Nevertheless, the same developments also pose security threats to complex communication infrastructures that may be resistant to traditional cryptographic tools, especially in the context of quantum computing. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is an innovative technique for achieving unconditional security that leverages quantum-mechanical principles to share cryptographic keys securely. This paper discusses how QKD can be integrated into 6G and beyond networks and used to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data across applications such as autonomous systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart city infrastructure. This paper explores the architecture of QKD-based 6G communication, key-generation systems, and quantum-resistant network layers. It also examines scalability, synchronization, and hardware implementation, and suggests possible hybrid approaches for integrating classical and quantum security protocols. The results imply that the idea of QKD may become the foundation of safeguarded communication systems in the future, ensuring resilience against attacks in the quantum era and enabling individuals to trust the next generation of wireless.
Modern connectivity has changed significantly as a result of wireless mobile networks’ utilization of continuous communication across an international infrastructure. Data protection and cyber attacks are two issues that continue to arise as mobile computing and wireless communication networks develop. As 5G networks give way to 6G networks, terahertz communication, artificial intelligence integration, and quantum technologies are introduced to provide high-speed data transfer and communications, along with improved security. In contrast, post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum key distribution (QKD) are two remote methods for addressing the need to adjust cryptographic systems in the current infrastructures to fight impending quantum threats. The fundamental ideas, real-world uses, and ways that PQC and QKD operate together to provide strong security for next-generation networks are all examined in this chapter.
Abstract Conventional cryptographic methods are losing their long-term reliability in the face of growing information security threats ranging from increasing computational power to the emergence of quantum computers. In this regard, quantum cryptography technologies, in particular, quantum key distribution (QKD), are emerging as promising tools for ensuring physically grounded data security. This work presents a comprehensive analysis of the potential for autonomous implementation of QKD in 4G/5G mobile networks, focusing on practical deployment and possible limitations. Additionally, the integration of post-quantum cryptography and QKD is explored as a complementary approach to securing user data, along with the prospects for building a secure infrastructure based on VPN technologies and QKD systems. Special attention is given to comparison of international and domestic developments in this field and evaluation of the applicability of these technologies in existing mobile networks.
Abstract The increasing demand for secure communications in mobile and critical infrastructure networks has led to the emergence of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) as a promising technique for enhancing cryptographic security in next-generation systems. This paper reviews recent progress in integrating QKD within mobile and wireless networks. It focuses on key enabling technologies, such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN), satellite-based, and aerial networks. The paper critically analyzes how these frameworks can address evolving security requirements in sixth-generation (6G) networks and smart city infrastructures. Additionally, it examines the role of Machine Learning (ML) in improving QKD performance and adaptability. Challenges such as key management, mobility support, scalability, and interoperability are explored. These challenges help identify current barriers and research directions. By consolidating developments and highlighting unresolved issues, this study offers researchers valuable insights. It discusses the convergence of quantum communication and advanced mobile architectures, facilitating the design of secure and resilient future communication infrastructures.
The growing dependence on digital communications underscores the need to protect data as it travels through the network. Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) plays a central role, providing a robust framework to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of transmitted data. However, advances in Quantum Computing pose a significant threat to current public-key cryptographic schemes by enabling efficient solutions to factoring and discrete logarithm problems. A promising solution also arises from the quantum domain. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) provides a security layer immune to any computational attacks, whether quantum or classical. While the rapid adoption of quantum-safe technologies is highly desirable, it is equally important to ensure the resilience of existing trusted infrastructures, as the introduction of novel technologies may also entail unforeseen challenges. Enabling an evolutionary path that brings our current security infrastructure to a quantum-safe one, protected against both present and future threats, is thus very important. This work proposes a solution that integrates emerging quantum technologies into the existing security and communications infrastructure to ensure long-term protection. We focus on IPsec —one of the most widely deployed security protocols— and combine it with Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and QKD to construct a novel network security infrastructure that is resilient against both classical and quantum computational threats. Building upon recent standardization initiatives and operational tools for QKD integration, we demonstrate advanced capabilities -including rekeying and secure key transport- on a field deployed QKD network operating within a shared quantum-classical production infrastructure.