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IEEE Conference on Computer Communications (INFOCOM)

QuIKS: Near-Zero Latency Key Supply with Adaptive Buffering for Resource-Efficient Quantum Key Distribution Networks

Yuxin Chen, Zite Xia, Jian Li, Kaiping Xue, Z. Y. Li, Lutong Chen, Ruidong Li

Published May 18, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher
DOI
10.1109/infocom59046.2026.11571199

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QuIKS: Near-Zero Latency Key Supply with Adaptive Buffering for Resource-Efficient Quantum Key Distribution Networks

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Abstract Quantum networks provide both security and faster communication; however, they face critical challenges in terms of dynamic resource allocation and maintaining robust security. Current static allocation methodologies frequently lead to excessive latency and attack vulnerabilities, which restrict performance and scalability. To address these challenges, this article presents a secure and adaptive resource allocation outline for quantum networks, merging quantum-enhanced security protocols with real-time optimization. The framework utilizes Quantum Key Distribution - Single Center Method (QKD-SCM) to exchange secure and scalable keys. and the Stochastic Programming and the Cooperative-Qubit-Allocation-Problem (SP-CQAP), which addresses dynamic resource allocations. High-fidelity entangled resources are managed with the Fidelity Maintenance Scheme Based on Prioritized Purification (FMSPP), and congestion is avoided using Self-Adaptive and Content-Based Scheduling (CACS). The proposed framework was evaluated using NS-3.30.1 and Python 3.7.4, running on Ubuntu 18.4 LTS. In comparison to already-existing methodologies within the segment, the proposed framework demonstrated reduced latency of 20 ms, energy efficiencies of 90%, a quantum key distribution success rate of 90%, and resource utilization equating to 70%. The findings demonstrate the promise of quantum-enhanced wireless communication through dynamic resource allocation for safe, low-latency, and high-performance networking. Removed: security enhancement implied earlier.
Next-generation networks, including IoT, edge, vehicular, and 6G systems, require cryptographic schemes that not only resist attacks but also withstand channel degradation without disrupting secure data flows. This paper presents a novel adaptive encryption architecture for quantum-resilient networks that integrates real-time attack detection in quantum channels with per frame key management. A lightweight controller has been designed, which tracks the quantum bit error rate (QBER) via a sliding-window hysteresis and buffer thresholds, deciding per frame whether to derive symmetric keys from Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) or from a post-quantum cryptographic fallback, while maintaining a unified AES–GCM AEAD dataplane. Moreover, a deterministic HMAC-based key derivation function (HKDF) schedule binding eliminates key reuse across modes, retransmissions, and re-encapsulations. Experimental evaluation on image payloads shows: (i) timely QBER-spike detection with 9.5-frame latency and zero misses; (ii) full decryptability and tamper detection across both key sources; (iii) symmetric throughput of ≈ 1.1GB/s with negligible adaptation overhead; and (iv) near-ideal ciphertext metrics including entropy 8.02bits/pixel, NPCR ≈ 99.6%, and UACI ≈ 30.7%. The framework achieves secure, continuous encryption by preventing unsafe QKD use and maintaining authenticated operation under quantum-channel degradation.