Mathematical Model and Topology Evaluation of Quantum Secure Communication Network

TL;DR

This paper introduces a flow-based mathematical model for quantum key distribution networks and evaluates their topology using a novel security performance indicator, validated through simulations on existing network topologies.

Contribution

It presents a new mathematical modeling approach and a unique performance indicator for assessing QKD network topologies, enhancing design and security evaluation.

Findings

Model effectively describes QKD networks

Proposed indicator accurately evaluates security bounds

Simulation validates model and indicator effectiveness

Abstract

Due to the intrinsic point-to-point characteristic of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems, it is necessary to study and develop QKD network technology to provide a secure communication service for a large-scale of nodes over a large area. Considering the quality assurance required for such a network and the cost limitations, building an effective mathematical model of a QKD network becomes a critical task. In this paper, a flow-based mathematical model is proposed to describe a QKD network using mathematical concepts and language. In addition, an investigation on QKD network topology evaluation was conducted using a unique and novel QKD network performance indicator, the Information-Theoretic Secure communication bound, and the corresponding linear programming-based calculation algorithm. A large number of simulation results based on the topologies of SECOQC network and NSFNET network validate the effectiveness of the proposed model and indicator.