An Efficient Routing Protocol for Quantum Key Distribution Networks

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) can provide point-to-point information-theoretic secure key services for two connected users. To broaden the service scale of QKD technology, the research of QKD networks that can deliver end-to-end secure key services for more users is crucial. Due to the limited key generation capability of QKD devices, high quantum secure key utilization is the major concern for QKD networks. Since traditional routing techniques do not account the state of quantum secure keys on links, applying them in QKD networks directly will result in the underutilization of quantum secure keys. Therefore, a better routing protocol for QKD networks, especially for large-scale QKD networks, is desperately needed. In this study, an efficient routing protocol based on Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR), i.e. QOLSR is proposed for QKD networks. QOLSR can considerably improve quantum key utilization in QKD networks by designing a link-state awareness mechanism and an optimal path selection algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the proposed routing protocol QOLSR. Most importantly, with the growth of communication traffic, the benefit becomes even more apparent.