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IEEE International Conference on Network Infrastructure and Digital Content (IC-NIDC)

Layered Multi-Granularity CDC-ROADM Node for Quantum-Classical SDM-WDM Optical Networks

Yuge Du, Yongmei Sun, Yaoxian Gao, Xinyu Cao

Published Nov 7, 2025• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

We propose a layered multi-granularity CDC-ROADM (LMG-QROADM) node for quantum-classical optical networks integrating space-division multiplexing (SDM) and wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM), referred to as quantum-classical SDM-WDM networks. The quantum switching module of LMG-QROADM employs low-loss wavelength selective switches (WSSs) specifically designed for quantum signals, which not only provides excellent flexibility switching but also increases the transmission distance of quantum signals. The classical switching module is divided into spatial cross-connect (SXC) layer and wavelength cross-connect (WXC) layers. The SXC layer enables core granularity switching, while the WXC layers support wavelength/wavelength group granularity switching. This design not only allows for flexible signal switching but also improves device utilization which reduces costs. The simulation results show that LMG-QROADM has a better performance than the existing architectures.

DOI
10.1109/ic-nidc67200.2025.11390118

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We propose a novel multi-core fiber (MCF)-based quantum CDC-ROADM (MCF-QROADM) with multigranularity switching function. MCF-QROADM uses MCFs as the fibers of the port to improve transmission capacity. Moreover, MCF-QROADM can pass through fewer devices to achieve the function of multi-granularity switching, which can reduce the loss of the quantum signal caused by the switch node architecture, and thus increase the transmission distance of quantum signals. In addition, MCF-QROADM can achieve the function of colorless, directionless and contentionless (CDC) through the design of reasonable add and drop modules. The simulation results show that MCF-QROADM has a better performance than the existing architectures.
Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and space division multiplexing (SDM) can be used to implement coexistence of the classical and quantum signals. But some noises are introduced due to the SDM/WDM techniques, such as Raman, Four-wave mixing and inter-core crosstalk noises, which will restrict the performance of the quantum key distribution system (QKD). In this paper, we consider that the classical optical communication system is also affected by such noises. So, in order to improve the performance of the coexistence system based on WDM and SDM, we propose a dual optimized core and wavelength allocation (DOCWA) scheme to realize the synergistic transmission of classical and quantum signals over multi-core fiber. Experiments verify that the proposed scheme can suppress noise photons on classical and quantum channels up to 152.71% and 167.28% compared to the quantum equal frequency spacing scheme, respectively.
We propose a routing and wavelength allocation method in spatial division multiplexing (SDM) based on quantum key distribution (QKD) optical networks. Especially, for the routing and wavelength allocation of quantum services, we design an auxilia/y matrix-based core allocation and a routing method based on inter-core crosstalk (IC-XT) evaluation. For classic services in SDM optical networks, we design a resource allocation method. Through the proposed hybrid resource allocation strategy, the IC-XT of quantum services can be reducedt Moreover, the amount of available secret keys stored by the node has also increased in SDM optical networks.
In future, the distribution of single or entangled photons inside optical networks will be a prerequisite for a general roll-out and adoption of quantum communication technologies. In particular, on-demand routing and active wavelength allocation will be needed to meet the demand of complex network architectures. In the last years several attempts have been made, based either on passive optical WDM technology or active switching of channels. Here we present a novel approach whereby we combine spectral slicing of the emission spectrum of photon-pair sources together with space-switches to generate a reconfigurable distribution node for entanglement. The increased switching complexity offered by our hybrid solution allows us to realise quantum reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs) with up to three degrees.
In quantum-classical coexistence systems, classical noise and system loss can significantly affect the performance of quantum key distribution (QKD), while the fixed-parameter QKD (FPQ) cannot adapt to varying conditions. In this paper, we propose a local search algorithm (LSA) for QKD to optimize the parameters in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and space division multiplexing (SDM) systems. Simulation results show that LSA can achieve 99.9% performance of the exhaustive search algorithm, while significantly reducing computational complexity. Moreover, LSA improves QKD performance by 31.9% over standard single mode fiber and 24.5% over multicore fiber in quantum-classical coexistence systems.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a key technology widely used in quantum communication technology, which can achieve unconditionally secure information transmission. At present, the quantum-classical fusion is often used to construct QKD networks, thus enhancing the security level of the current communication network. In addition, the design of the switching node structure of the optical network is related to the planning and deployment of the entire communication network, which helps to build a flexible and scalable communication network. However, in the quantum-classical fusion network, due to the extremely weak quantum signal, it is susceptible to the crosstalk from the classical signal and the phase drift caused by the change of external environment in the transmission process. In this paper, a multi-layer optical network switching node based on the quantum-classical fusion is designed to enable QKD to be integrated into existing classical networks. The node uses conventional device to enable the isolation of quantum signals from classical and synchronization signals to reach more than 30 dB, and to increase the capacity of the switching node with flexibility and scalability.