Software-Defined Networking Orchestration for Interoperable Key Management of Quantum Key Distribution Networks.

Area of Science:

• Quantum communication security
• Network engineering and architecture

Background:

• Interconnecting diverse Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks is challenging due to incompatible Key Management Systems (KMSs).
• Different network segments are often managed by separate Software-Defined Networking (SDN) controllers, hindering seamless QKD service provisioning.
• Multi-vendor environments in practical network deployments further complicate the integration of disparate QKD systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the use of SDN orchestration for integrating regionally separated QKD networks with incompatible KMSs.
• To ensure end-to-end QKD service provisioning and secure key delivery between geographically distinct QKD networks.
• To address the complexity of managing multiple SDN controllers and diverse network equipment for expanded QKD coverage.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an SDN orchestrator as a central management entity for multiple SDN controllers.
• Utilizing the SDN orchestrator to coordinate controllers and gather network information for path calculation.
• Developing a path selection mechanism within the orchestrator for end-to-end key delivery between applications in different networks.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of SDN orchestration for interoperable KMS in commercial QKD networks.
• Enabled coordination of multiple SDN controllers managing heterogeneous network parts.
• Facilitated efficient and secure end-to-end QKD key delivery across different QKD networks.

Conclusions:

• SDN orchestration is a viable solution for integrating diverse QKD networks with varying KMSs and vendors.
• The proposed approach ensures secure and efficient QKD key provisioning across geographically separated networks.
• Practical implementation in South Korea validates the effectiveness of SDN orchestration for interoperable QKD networks.