Power Network SCADA Quantum Communications: A Comparison of BB84, B92, E91, and SGS04 Quantum Key Distribution Protocols

TL;DR

This paper compares four quantum key distribution protocols—BB84, B92, E91, and SGS04—in the context of power network SCADA systems, evaluating their performance with real-world datasets to enhance cybersecurity.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of QKD protocols applied to power system SCADA data, highlighting practical implementation prospects for quantum-secured power networks.

Findings

QKD protocols can be effectively applied to power system SCADA data.

Simulation results suggest feasible deployment of quantum cryptography in power networks.

Different protocols show varying performance metrics in the context of power system security.

Abstract

The current state, emerging trends, and practical challenges of optical fiber-based power network SCADA quantum communication must be addressed to fully utilize the technological platform's potential in real-world power system SCADA communications involving massive volumes of real-time data, as well as in managing, encoding, and applications such as quantum cryptography. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is an essential part of the cybersecurity paradigm for quantum communication. Even though quantum computing with individual circuits yields probabilistic outcomes for the problem at hand, real-world datasets are complex and challenging to handle, even with telemetry. When using the cybersecurity triad of availability, confidentiality, and integrity (CIA) in reverse order (AIC), availability is given priority in electric power networks. This research assesses the use of the BB84, E91, B92, and SARG04 cryptographic protocols by applying them to large, multivariate power-system SCADA datasets and comparing the outcomes. By leveraging the variety of QKD protocols available with quantum electronics hardware, this simulation work provides a promising avenue for developing implementable frameworks and deploying SCADA/PMU networks in actual power systems.