Secure communication is crucial for intelligent infrastructure networks, especially in the field of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. Real-time information ex change between vehicles is the cornerstone of traffic safety and intelligent decision making. However, existing V2X communication systems primarily rely on classical cryptographic security mechanisms, while the rapid development of quantum com puting fundamentally threatens their security guarantees. Quantum key distribu tion (QKD), based on the no-cloning principle of quantum mechanics, is considered a promising technology against quantum attacks. However, most existing studies focus on theoretical security analysis or static fiber optic transmission scenarios, lacking systematic evaluation of the complete QKD protocol workflow in highly dynamic V2X environments. To fill research gaps, this thesis constructs a vehicle-to-vehicle quantum key distribution (V2V-QKD) framework based on the Veins simulation platform, integrated with OMNeT++ and SUMO. The framework implements qubit preparation and trans mission, measurement, quantum bit error rate (QBER) estimation, error correction, and privacy amplification, aiming to evaluate the feasibility and robustness of QKD in dynamic V2V communication scenarios. This thesis designs two sets of experiments. The first set of experiments evaluates parameter robustness by varying the number of qubits transmitted in a single session and analyzing its impact on quantum error rate (QBER), final key length, and key generation rate. Experimental results show that when 𝑁raw = 800, the system achieves a favorable balance between QBER estimation stability and key generation reliability. The second set of experiments compares the performance of BB84 and SARG04 under gradually increasing eavesdropping and attack intensity. Results show that under no eavesdropping conditions, BB84 can stably generate longer keys, but its performance degrades significantly under attacks; while SARG04 generates shorter keys under ideal conditions, but remains relatively stable under increased attack interference. Comprehensive results demonstrate that, under optimized configuration, QKD can provide stable and secure key generation for V2V communication. Furthermore, an adaptive protocol selection strategy enhances system-level security resilience. This thesis verifies the feasibility of QKD in vehicular network environments and provides an experimental foundation and design reference for secure vehicular communication systems capable of withstanding quantum-era threats.
Secure communication is crucial for intelligent infrastructure networks, especially in the field of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. Real-time information ex change between vehicles is the cornerstone of traffic safety and intelligent decision making. However, existing V2X communication systems primarily rely on classical cryptographic security mechanisms, while the rapid development of quantum com puting fundamentally threatens their security guarantees. Quantum key distribu tion (QKD), based on the no-cloning principle of quantum mechanics, is considered a promising technology against quantum attacks. However, most existing studies focus on theoretical security analysis or static fiber optic transmission scenarios, lacking systematic evaluation of the complete QKD protocol workflow in highly dynamic V2X environments. To fill research gaps, this thesis constructs a vehicle-to-vehicle quantum key distribution (V2V-QKD) framework based on the Veins simulation platform, integrated with OMNeT++ and SUMO. The framework implements qubit preparation and trans mission, measurement, quantum bit error rate (QBER) estimation, error correction, and privacy amplification, aiming to evaluate the feasibility and robustness of QKD in dynamic V2V communication scenarios. This thesis designs two sets of experiments. The first set of experiments evaluates parameter robustness by varying the number of qubits transmitted in a single session and analyzing its impact on quantum error rate (QBER), final key length, and key generation rate. Experimental results show that when 𝑁raw = 800, the system achieves a favorable balance between QBER estimation stability and key generation reliability. The second set of experiments compares the performance of BB84 and SARG04 under gradually increasing eavesdropping and attack intensity. Results show that under no eavesdropping conditions, BB84 can stably generate longer keys, but its performance degrades significantly under attacks; while SARG04 generates shorter keys under ideal conditions, but remains relatively stable under increased attack interference. Comprehensive results demonstrate that, under optimized configuration, QKD can provide stable and secure key generation for V2V communication. Furthermore, an adaptive protocol selection strategy enhances system-level security resilience. This thesis verifies the feasibility of QKD in vehicular network environments and provides an experimental foundation and design reference for secure vehicular communication systems capable of withstanding quantum-era threats.
The rapid proliferation of autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs) has created unprecedented cybersecurity challenges for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication systems that are vulnerable to quantum computing attacks and sophisticated adversarial strategies. This research presents a novel hybrid quantum key distribution (QKD) framework specifically designed for high-mobility vehicular environments, integrating satellite-based and terrestrial quantum communication infrastructure with mobile-optimized protocols. We propose the Mobile Quantum Key Distribution (M-QKD) protocol that achieves information-theoretic security while meeting stringent real-time performance requirements of safety-critical automotive applications. Our hybrid architecture combines predictive key pre-distribution algorithms, adaptive error correction mechanisms, and distributed key verification protocols to ensure continuous secure communication even at highway speeds exceeding120km/h. Comprehensive simulation results demonstrate 99.9% security assurance with sub-50 ms communication latencies and 98.5% quantum key distribution success rates under challenging vehicular mobility conditions. The proposed framework represents the first practical quantum-secured V2V communication system capable of providing unconditional security guarantees while maintaining compatibility with existing V2X standards and infrastructure.
Vehicular-to-Everything (V2X) communications are foundational to next-generation intelligent transportation systems, but the open wireless medium makes them highly susceptible to eavesdropping. Unauthorized interception of V2X messages poses a threat to vehicle and passenger privacy and can facilitate more severe cyber-physical attacks. With the looming threat of quantum computers that can break current public-key cryptography, securing the key exchange process is paramount. We propose a focused framework that leverages Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution (CV-QKD) to provide information-theoretic security for key exchange in V2X networks. In our approach, On-Board Units (OBUs) and Roadside Units (RSUs) are equipped with CV-QKD transceivers that establish symmetric keys for secure communication. The security is rooted in the principles of quantum mechanics, where any attempt by an eavesdropper to intercept the quantum signal inevitably creates detectable disturbances, revealing their presence. We designed and simulated a CV-QKD protocol based on Gaussian-modulated coherent states (GMCS), evaluating its performance under realistic V2X channel conditions. Our results demonstrate accurate, real-time estimation of channel parameters (transmittance and excess noise) and the generation of a positive secure key rate over typical vehicular communication distances. This framework offers a robust, physics-based solution to protect V2X communications against both current and future eavesdropping threats.
Secure communication has become essential due to the rapid increase in cyber-attacks and data security threats in modern networks. Traditional communication systems mainly rely on classical security methods, which may become vulnerable to advanced attacks. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) improves secure communication by generating cryptographic keys using quantum principles, making key interception extremely difficult. In this work, a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) is integrated with classical communication to develop a hybrid quantum-classical communication framework. The QRNG generates highly random bits that improve authentication, randomness, and key security. The proposed system compares three QKD protocols: BB84, B92, and E91 using different bit sizes of 8000, 10000, and 13000 bits. The protocols are evaluated using important metrics such as QBER, key rate, entropy, erasure rate, throughput, and correlation. Experimental results show that all protocols achieved entropy values close to 1 and correlation values near zero, indicating strong randomness and secure key generation. Among the evaluated protocols, E91 achieved lower QBER values and higher key rates, while BB84 showed stable and reliable performance. B92 produced comparatively higher error rates under similar conditions. The throughput remained nearly 278–281 bits/sec across all experiments. A ranking-based analysis confirmed that E91 provides the best balance between security, efficiency, and communication performance, making it suitable for future quantum-secure communication systems.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is increasingly recognized as a robust solution to the vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing to classical encryption systems. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the BB84 protocol, the foundational QKD scheme, through simulated quantum communication using IBM’s Qiskit framework. The study models quantum key exchange under both ideal and adversarial conditions, including channel noise and intercept-resend attacks. The Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) was measured as a function of noise intensity and eavesdropping, confirming that QBER increases predictably in compromised channels. A threshold of 11% QBER was used to determine the viability of secure key generation. Final key retention rates were analyzed across multiple channel scenarios, revealing BB84’s sensitivity to both photon loss and adversarial interference.\n\nSecurity vulnerabilities such as photon-number-splitting and detector blinding were assessed, and countermeasures including decoy-state protocols and authenticated classical channels were proposed. Four key performance graphs were generated to visualize system behavior under realistic operational conditions. The results support BB84’s theoretical advantage in ensuring information-theoretic security while acknowledging real-world limitations in transmission range and hardware reliability. The paper concludes by addressing future improvements in QKD systems, including satellite-based distribution, quantum repeaters, and device-independent implementations. Through simulation-driven analysis, this study validates BB84 as a practical defense against quantum-enabled attacks and underscores the need for continued development and standardization in post-quantum cryptographic infrastructure.
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication is a critical enabler of autonomous driving, supporting real-time information exchange among vehicles, roadside infrastructure, pedestrians, and cloud services. However, the security of current V2X systems largely relies on classical cryptographic mechanisms, which are expected to become vulnerable in the presence of large-scale quantum computers. Given the long operational lifespan and stringent safety requirements of autonomous vehicular networks, the transition toward quantum-resistant authentication and key management mechanisms has become increasingly important. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of post-quantum Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) protocols for secure V2X communications. The survey systematically reviews V2X communication architectures, security and privacy requirements, existing authentication frameworks, and emerging post-quantum cryptographic approaches. Representative AKA schemes and NIST-standardized post-quantum algorithms are comparatively analyzed in terms of security strength, computational complexity, communication overhead, storage requirements, scalability, and deployment suitability for resource-constrained vehicular environments. The survey further examines practical implementation challenges, including latency constraints, bandwidth limitations, signature size expansion, memory consumption, and hardware resource requirements. The analysis reveals that achieving quantum-resistant security in V2X networks requires balancing strong cryptographic protection with the stringent performance demands of safety-critical vehicular applications. While recent post-quantum approaches offer promising security guarantees against quantum adversaries, their practical deployment remains constrained by computational and communication overhead. Finally, this survey identifies key research gaps and outlines future directions for the development of lightweight, scalable, and quantum-resilient AKA frameworks capable of supporting next-generation autonomous transportation systems. The findings provide researchers and practitioners with a structured understanding of the opportunities, limitations, and challenges associated with securing future V2X communications in the quantum era.
This thesis explores the critical advancements in quantum communication with a primary focus on the BB84 protocol, the foundation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). It delves into the theoretical principles, practical implementation using Qiskit, and performance evaluation through metrics like entropy, Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER), and efficiency. Comparative analysis with alternative protocols, such as B92 and SARG04, highlights their advantages, limitations, and suitability for real-world applications. The work also addresses challenges like photon number splitting attacks and implementation imperfections, contributing to the development of robust quantum cryptographic systems. By bridging theory and practice, the thesis emphasizes the transformative potential of quantum cryptography in securing communication against both classical and quantum threats. This comprehensive study paves the way for advancements in secure, scalable quantum communication technologies.