Simulation Study on the Impact of Variable SKR and Outdated Information in QKD Networks
Luís Boavida, Teresa Gomes, Rita Girão‐Silva, Tim Johann, Daniel Giemsa, Matthias Gunkel · 2024
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks seek to address the challenges of secure communications in postquantum networks. QKD modules are used to ensure secure key rates (SKRs). Due to the generation process, there may be some fluctuations in the key creation rate. In order to decrease the impact of these fluctuations, buffers are used in each link, designated as quantum key pools (QKPs). These QKPs are periodically refilled. Link weights dependent on the QKP filling level are used to calculate the shortest path, applying Dijkstra's algorithm, for key routing. A Software Defined Networking (SDN) architecture is considered. We consider the SKR fluctuations, and we study the impact on the routing performance of outdated QKP filling level information at the controller. Results will show that management traffic can be reduced without compromising the routing performance. However, reducing the frequency update of the link weights will have a negative impact on QKP filling level, but will reduce the controller processing load.