The Future of QKD Networks

TL;DR

The paper discusses the rapid development of quantum key distribution networks, highlighting challenges in standardization, interconnection, and proposing virtual networks as a flexible solution for future global quantum communication infrastructure.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of QKD virtual networks as a key infrastructure abstraction to enhance flexibility and address future scalability challenges.

Findings

Quantum communication market expected to reach $36B by 2040

EuroQCI is the largest QKD initiative influencing market maturity

Virtual networks can improve scalability and security in QKD deployments

Abstract

With the recent advancements in quantum technologies, the QKD market exploded. World players are scrambling to win the race towards global QKD networks, even before the rules and policies required by such large endeavors were even discussed. Several vendors are on the market, each with specific parameters and advantages (in terms of key rate, link range, KMS software, etc.), hence considerable effort is now made towards standardization. While quantum communications is expected to reach a market size of up to \$36B by 2040, the largest QKD initiative to date is EuroQCI, which, due to its sheer scale, is forcing the market to mature. Although building a QKD network is believed to be trivial today, inter-connecting federated networks on a global scale is a heavy challenge. We propose QKD virtual networks not only as a useful infrastructure abstraction for increased flexibility and granular security, but as an inevitable solution for several problems that future QKD networks will encounter on the way towards widespread adoption.