Quantum entanglement resource utilization in quantum-classical networking
Buniechukwu Njoku, Milad Ghadimi, Swaraj Shekhar Nande, Akhmadjon Rajabov, Yin Ming, Jungin E. Kim, Ernest Scholtz, Muhammad Idham Habibie, Bassem Arar, Caspar Hopfmann, Riccardo Bassoli, Frank H. P. Fitzek · Optical Switching and Networking · 2025
This work presents a hybrid quantum–classical architecture that converts entanglement-derived resources including ultra-precise timing, private/common randomness and certified entropy into first-class primitives for 5G networks. Semiconductor quantum-dot sources and correlation electronics distribute photon-pair coincidences, while a layered protocol stack exposes the resulting services to 5G core functions. As a proof-of-concept, we embed a quantum-random-number generator (QRNG) in the 5G Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) procedure, replacing the pseudo-random RAND generator in Open5GS with an HTTP-served QRNG feed. A simulation of sequential UE attachments shows that the QRNG path increases cumulative control-plane latency by ≈ 12 % and produces isolated Round-Trip-Time (RTT) spikes, yet leaves data-plane efficiency largely unchanged: delivery rate matches the baseline while a flatter pacing profile lowers the risk of queue build-up. These results quantify the performance trade-off of QRNG-enhanced 5G and motivate tighter in-process or hardware QRNG integration in future quantum-enabled mobile networks. • A unified architecture links quantum sources with existing mobile networks. • Layer mapping separates quantum entanglement and data transport clearly. • Integrated quantum randomness scheduling strengthens key security. • The framework guides engineers building future time synchronized hybrid communication networks.