A Guide to Global Quantum Key Distribution Networks

TL;DR

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of global quantum key distribution networks, comparing terrestrial and spaceborne technologies, and offering deployment strategies for different network segments.

Contribution

It offers a detailed comparative analysis of QKD technologies and develops technical criteria for deploying global quantum communication networks.

Findings

Optical fiber QKD is suitable for access networks and can be extended with trusted relays.

Satellite QKD enables transoceanic communication with lower channel loss.

Deployment requirements vary significantly across network segments.

Abstract

We describe systems and methods for the deployment of global quantum key distribution (QKD) networks covering transoceanic, long-haul, metro, and access segments of the network. A comparative study of the state-of-the-art QKD technologies is carried out, including both terrestrial QKD via optical fibers and free-space optics, as well as spaceborne solutions via satellites. We compare the pros and cons of various existing QKD technologies, including channel loss, potential interference, distance, connection topology, deployment cost and requirements, as well as application scenarios. Technical selection criteria and deployment requirements are developed for various different QKD solutions in each segment of networks. For example, optical fiber-based QKD is suitable for access networks due to its limited distance and compatibility with point-to-multipoint (P2MP) topology; with the help of trusted relays, it can be extended to long-haul and metro networks. Spaceborne QKD on the other hand, has much smaller channel loss and extended transmission distance, which can be used for transoceanic and long-haul networks exploiting satellite-based trusted relays.