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Routing and wavelength assignment in quantum key distribution networks: Power control heuristics for quantum–classical multiplexing

Lidia Ruiz Pérez, Juan Carlos García-Escartín

Published Jan 1, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher
DOI
10.1016/j.comcom.2026.108572

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As quantum key distribution networks grow in size and complexity, resource assignment has become increasingly important. In passive optical networks without wavelength conversion, we need to assign a full route between origin and destination with the same wavelength from a finite set. This problem is computationally intensive and the common solution in classical optical networks is using heuristics. We adapt these heuristics to hybrid quantum networks where the quantum channel can share some of the optical links with classical channels. In this quantum–classical multiplexing, nonlinear effects can become the limiting factor in the range of the network. The signal in the classical channels can be subject to Raman Scattering or Four-Wave-Mixing and produce light in the quantum channels. While these processes are not efficient, even a single photon can ruin the quantum channel. We propose heuristics for the routing and wavelength assignment problem for hybrid quantum–classical networks with power control for the classical channels. By keeping the transmitted power to its bare functional minimum, we can reduce the interference to the quantum channels. We study their efficiency under different scenarios.

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Resource Assignment Strategy in Optical Networks Integrated With Quantum Key Distribution

Yuan Cao, Yongli Zhao, Xiaosong Yu +1 more

Data transmission with optical fiber is vulnerable to eavesdropping. Moreover, conventional key distribution technology suffers from increasing computational power and upgraded attack algorithms. To address these issues, quantum key distribution (QKD), a quantum technology that secures secret information (such as a cryptographic key) exchange between two parties, can be used to guarantee secure data transmission. Integrating QKD into existing wavelength division multiplexing optical networks has been verified through a series of experiments, which contribute to ensuring network security and saving fiber resources. This paper addresses the resource assignment problem in QKD-enabled optical networks. First, a QKD-enabled optical network architecture is introduced. A small fraction of wavelength channels are segmented into multiple time slots with optical time division multiplexing technology to construct quantum key channels (QKChs) and measuring-basis channels, and then the remaining wavelengths can construct traditional data channels. Second, a static routing, wavelength, and time-slot assignment (RWTA) strategy is proposed and verified by the integer linear programming formulation and a heuristic algorithm. In the RWTA, QKChs are assigned for service requests according to the security levels specified by relevant key-updating periods. Thus, the secret keys for data encryption can update periodically to enhance security. Simulation results indicate that there is a trade-off between security (i.e., security levels and security-level types) and resource utilization.

Journal of Optical Communications and Networking•Oct 16, 2017•77 citations
As quantum key distribution networks grow in size and complexity, resource assignment has become increasingly important. In passive optical networks without wavelength conversion, we need to assign a full route between origin and destination with the same wavelength from a finite set. This problem is computationally intensive and the common solution in classical optical networks is using heuristics. We adapt these heuristics to hybrid quantum networks where the quantum channel can share some of the optical links with classical channels. In this quantum–classical multiplexing, nonlinear effects can become the limiting factor in the range of the network. The signal in the classical channels can be subject to Raman Scattering or Four-Wave-Mixing and produce light in the quantum channels. While these processes are not efficient, even a single photon can ruin the quantum channel. We propose heuristics for the routing and wavelength assignment problem for hybrid quantum–classical networks with power control for the classical channels. By keeping the transmitted power to its bare functional minimum, we can reduce the interference to the quantum channels. We study their efficiency under different scenarios.
Quantum Key Distribution has become a mature quantum technology that has outgrown dedicated links and is ready to be incorporated into the classical infrastructure. In this scenario with multiple potential nodes, it is crucial having efficient ways to allocate the network resources between all the potential users. We propose a simple method for routing and wavelength assignment in wavelength multiplexed networks in which classical and quantum channels coexist. The proposed heuristics take into account the specific requirements of quantum key distribution and focus on keeping at bay the contamination of the quantum channels by photons coming from the classical signals from non-linear processes, among others. These heuristics reduce the shared path between classical and quantum channels and improve the signal-to-noise ratio in the quantum channels, improving their quantum key rate. We compare the results to the usual classical RWA approach.
Data transmission with optical fiber is vulnerable to eavesdropping. Moreover, conventional key distribution technology suffers from increasing computational power and upgraded attack algorithms. To address these issues, quantum key distribution (QKD), a quantum technology that secures secret information (such as a cryptographic key) exchange between two parties, can be used to guarantee secure data transmission. Integrating QKD into existing wavelength division multiplexing optical networks has been verified through a series of experiments, which contribute to ensuring network security and saving fiber resources. This paper addresses the resource assignment problem in QKD-enabled optical networks. First, a QKD-enabled optical network architecture is introduced. A small fraction of wavelength channels are segmented into multiple time slots with optical time division multiplexing technology to construct quantum key channels (QKChs) and measuring-basis channels, and then the remaining wavelengths can construct traditional data channels. Second, a static routing, wavelength, and time-slot assignment (RWTA) strategy is proposed and verified by the integer linear programming formulation and a heuristic algorithm. In the RWTA, QKChs are assigned for service requests according to the security levels specified by relevant key-updating periods. Thus, the secret keys for data encryption can update periodically to enhance security. Simulation results indicate that there is a trade-off between security (i.e., security levels and security-level types) and resource utilization.