Designing a Quantum Key Distribution Network – Methodology and Challenges

Abstract:
Quantum Key Distribution is a promising concept for protecting operators’ critical network infrastructure. We investigate how to design meshed networks with the related technology as a first attempt for further optimizations. Starting from practical operator use-cases we present security requirements. Heuristic methods based on classical design algorithms are introduced and a dedicated reference network serves for benchmarking the approaches. We conclude that more advanced methods are needed to address the challenging quantum-secured network design adequately.