With the rapid growth of 5G networks that introduce better speed, connectivity, and scalability than previous generation networks, new security threats have also started to arise, especially from quantum computing. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Zero Trust (ZT) have emerged as viable solutions to overcome these security issues. Previous literature has discussed the independent implementation of these two frameworks in 5G networks. However, several new studies have been proposed and examined the integration of QKD and ZTA together in the same network in order to enhance the security against quantum threats, which leaves room for a new comprehensive review that will encompass the current research and development of QKD and ZTA in 5G networks. Therefore, this paper aims to address this gap by reviewing state-of-the-art progress, implementation approaches, and drawbacks of QKD and ZTA in 5G. This review also recommends future research direction by discussing the potential implementation of QKD and ZTA integration together in 5G networks.
With the rapid growth of 5G networks that introduce better speed, connectivity, and scalability than previous generation networks, new security threats have also started to arise, especially from quantum computing. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Zero Trust (ZT) have emerged as viable solutions to overcome these security issues. Previous literature has discussed the independent implementation of these two frameworks in 5G networks. However, several new studies have been proposed and examined the integration of QKD and ZTA together in the same network in order to enhance the security against quantum threats, which leaves room for a new comprehensive review that will encompass the current research and development of QKD and ZTA in 5G networks. Therefore, this paper aims to address this gap by reviewing state-of-the-art progress, implementation approaches, and drawbacks of QKD and ZTA in 5G. This review also recommends future research direction by discussing the potential implementation of QKD and ZTA integration together in 5G networks.
With the rapid advancement of quantum computing, existing cryptographic schemes in 4G LTE and 5G networks confront serious security threats. Traditional reliance on protocols like IPsec and Transport Layer Security leaves infrastructure vulnerable to future quantum attacks, particularly “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” attacks, where adversaries store current encrypted traffic for future decryption. To counter these threats, Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) have become potential solutions. As future 6G networks aim to realize ultra-reliable and ubiquitous secure connectivity, it is essential to incorporate both PQC and QKD solutions to ensure long-term robustness. Therefore, the synergy of these security solutions and 5G draws the attention of researchers and practitioners worldwide. This study systematically reviews the literature in this specific field. We analyzed evidence from reviewed literature to address three research questions, resulting in a novel taxonomy to categorize publications in this area and a vision for a quantum-safe 6G network. Moreover, we discussed several open challenges in 5G, PQC, and QKD, along with future work.
Every attempt to access to the Internet through a Web browser, email sent, VPN connection, VoIP call, instant message or other use of telecommunications systems involves cryptographic techniques. The most commonly applied technique is asymmetric cryptography, which is generally executed in the background without the user even being aware. It establishes a cryptographic code based on the computational complexity of mathematical problems. However, this type of cryptography, which is widely used in today’s telecommunications systems, is under threat as electronics and computing rapidly develop. The development of fifth-generation cellular networks (5G) is gaining momentum, and given its wide field of application, security requires special attention. This is especially true faced with the development of quantum computers. One solution to this security challenge is to use more advanced techniques to establish cryptographic keys that are not susceptible to attack. An essential part of quantum cryptography, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) uses the principles of quantum physics to establish and distribute symmetric cryptographic keys between two geographically distant users. QKD establishes information-theoretically secure cryptographic keys that are resistant to eavesdropping when they are created. In this paper, we survey the security challenges and approaches in 5G networks concerning network protocols, interfaces and management organizations. We begin by examining the fundamentals of QKD and discuss the creation of QKD networks and their applications. We then outline QKD network architecture and its components and standards, following with a summary of QKD and post-quantum key distribution techniques and approaches for its integration into existing security frameworks such as VPNs (IPsec and MACsec). We also discuss the requirements, architecture and methods for implementing the FPGA-based encryptors needed to execute cryptographic algorithms with security keys. We discuss the performance and technologies of post-quantum cryptography, and finally, examine reported 5G demonstrations which have used quantum technologies, highlighting future research directions.
In recent years, 5G networks and services become progressively popular among telecommunication providers. Simultaneously, the growth in the usage and deployment of smartphone platforms and mobile applications have been seen as phenomenal. Therefore, this paper discusses the current state of the art of 5G technology in the merger of unconditional security requirements referred to as Quantum Cryptography. The various domain of Quantum Cryptography is illustrated including the protocols available, their functionality and previous implementation in real networks. This paper further identifies research gaps covering critical aspects of how Quantum Cryptography can be realized and effectively utilized in 5G networks. These include improving the current technique in Quantum Cryptography through efficient key distribution and message sharing between users in 5G networks.
The emergence of the Quantum computing technologies is imposing greater threats on the existing cryptographic algorithms that rely heavily on the mathematical problems, creating a growing demand for quantum safe Communication. Even though Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a theoretically proven secure key exchange method against quantum attacks, it also faces several deployment challenges like scalability, cost, and interoperability limitations. A systematic review was conducted to examine the recent advancements in QKD technologies by analyzing the peer reviewed studies Published between 2021 to 2025 and classified according to protocol design, network architecture and deployment readiness. The review analyzed articles for a Comparison of the recent advancements in the field of Twin Field QKD, Continuous Variable QKD, Hybrid classical quantum networks and long-distance secure communication systems. Furthermore, the review also examined the Conjunction of QKD with the emerging security applications of 5G Networks, IOT environments, edge computing, fog Computing and Multimedia security systems. Despite of the significant technological advancements, the deployment of QKD is still under the constraints of scalability, lower key generation rates, cost of deployment, Synchronization issues, stability complexities, interoperability problems and standardization issues. Through a comprehensive evaluation of QKD protocols and network architectures, this study highlights the critical research gaps and provides future directions for the practical deployment of the QKD enabled secure communication networks.
With the considerable progress of sixth-generation (6G) networks further on the horizon, security has attracted much attention in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats, especially from quantum computing. Classical cryptographic schemes based on computational hardness are becoming more and more brittle, as they can easily be attacked with a quantum computer. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) arises as a promising tool for information-theoretic security through quantum mechanics to obtain an unbreakable key by exchanging unknown bit sequences. In this paper, we provide an extensive survey on the integration of QKD both in the envisioned 6G architecture, including current implementations, technical feasibility, and deployment of QKD in fiber-based and wireless scenarios. We compare performance metrics of QKD systems in simulating 6G systems such as secret key rates, quantum bit error rates, and robustness to noise and mobility. We propose and investigate hybrid security schemes to leverage both classical PQC and QKD technologies to build multilayered security shields. We highlight the importance of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in improving QKD systems in terms of smart error correction, dynamic routing, anomaly detection, and adaptive key management, and more. In spite of efforts, the paper points out important research challenges that remain to be addressed in scalability, standardization, cross-operation comparison and demonstration. We finally summarize new directions for quantum-secured networking, offering a future research agenda which combines AI, standardization works and real testbeds to deliver a QKD shift from a lab-scale proof of concept to global-scale 6G network adoption. This review serves as a useful reference for researchers and practitioners as they develop quantum-safe, next-generation communication networks.
As wireless networks become increasingly integral to modern communication infrastructures, the need for robust security mechanisms to protect sensitive information has never been more critical. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) presents a revolutionary approach to secure communications by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to ensure the theoretical unbreakability of cryptographic keys. This study provides a comprehensive review of the current status of QKD technologies within the context of wireless networks, utilizing secondary data sources to analyze recent advancements, implementations, and challenges. The paper begins by outlining the fundamental principles of QKD and its superiority over classical cryptographic methods. It then examines recent developments in QKD protocols and their adaptability to wireless environments, highlighting successful case studies and experimental trials. Key challenges, including technological limitations, integration hurdles with existing network infrastructures, and cost considerations, are discussed in detail. The review also explores emerging trends and innovations, such as hybrid QKD systems and satellite-based implementations, which promise to expand the applicability and feasibility of QKD in wireless networks. Finally, the study delineates future prospects and potential research directions, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome existing limitations and fully realize the potential of QKD in enhancing wireless network security.