AI Optimized Routing and Resource Allocation for Quantum Enabled Non Terrestrial Industrial Networks

TL;DR

This paper addresses the complex routing and resource allocation challenges in quantum-enabled non-terrestrial networks, aiming to enhance secure, resilient, and energy-efficient connectivity for industrial applications.

Contribution

It proposes a novel optimization framework tailored for quantum-enabled NTNs, considering environmental and physical impairments affecting quantum channels.

Findings

Improved routing strategies for quantum channels under turbulence and Doppler effects

Enhanced resource allocation methods for secure quantum communication

Demonstrated scalability of the proposed approach in simulated environments

Abstract

The industrial transformation of Industry 4 and 5 results in cyber physical production systems that require secure resilient and energy efficient connectivity over integrated terrestrial and nonterrestrial networks NTNs Since its operation over fiber spans over 5G or 6G infrastructures to Low Earth Orbit LEO satellites quantum communication techniques enabled by Quantum Key Distribution QKD together with entanglement assisted links have the potential for high assurance security as well as synchronization But quantum channels are extremely vulnerable to any kind of impairment be it environmental or physicalsuch as effects induced by atmospheric turbulence pointing errors Doppler shifts satellite motion restricted optical power and limited quantum memory All these factors make for a tightly coupled routing and resource allocation problem that unfortunately cannot be addressed at scale by existing approaches to network control.