Abstract
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is maturing quickly. However, the current approaches to its application in optical networks make it an expensive technology. QKD networks deployed to date are designed as a collection of point-to-point, dedicated QKD links where non-neighboring nodes communicate using the trusted repeater paradigm. We propose a novel optical network model in which QKD systems share the communication infrastructure by wavelength multiplexing their quantum and classical signals. The routing is done using optical components within a metropolitan area which allows for a dynamically any-to-any communication scheme. Moreover, it resembles a commercial telecom network, takes advantage of existing infrastructure and utilizes commercial components, allowing for an easy, cost-effective and reliable deployment.
Highlights
Quantum key distribution allows two distant parties to grow a secret key: an initial shared secret key can be made arbitrarily large while avoiding any information leakage
We propose a novel optical network model in which Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems share the communication infrastructure by wavelength multiplexing their quantum and classical signals
dense WDM (DWDM) is mainly limited to the 1550 nm region (S, C and L bands) and, depending on the chosen grid, channel separation ranges from 100 GHz down to 12.5 GHz (0.8-0.1 nm) to accommodate from 40 up to hundreds of channels [48]
Summary
Quantum key distribution allows two distant parties to grow a secret key: an initial shared secret key can be made arbitrarily large while avoiding any information leakage. Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) [35, 36] is becoming a dominant technology in standard telecom networks This allows to share efficiently a common optical infrastructure among multiple users [37]. The network design is inspired by the technologies and topologies of commercial telecom networks in order to use existing deployed infrastructures (e.g. dark fibers) and commercial components, such that the deployment and running costs are as low as possible and remain competitive with other high security network services. To this end, QKD devices are wavelength multiplexed in order to share resources.
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