Switching Coordinator: An SDN Application for Flexible QKD Networks.

Area of Science:

• Quantum Information Science
• Network Engineering
• Cybersecurity

Background:

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks offer enhanced security but require sophisticated management.
• Integrating switching capabilities into QKD networks presents challenges in real-time monitoring and control.
• Dynamic adaptation to network demands is crucial for efficient QKD resource utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a monitor and control framework for switched QKD networks.
• To enable Software-Defined Networking (SDN) applications to manage QKD resources dynamically.
• To demonstrate efficient, policy-driven operation of QKD networks through centralized control and optimization.

Main Methods:

• Development of a framework providing real-time visibility into QKD network operational metrics.
• Extraction of key data including switching capabilities, buffer queue status, and key generation/consumption rates.
• Integration with SDN applications for dynamic network configuration and resource allocation.

Main Results:

• Real-time monitoring of QKD network performance metrics.
• Dynamic adaptation of network configuration based on operational data and policies.
• Efficient allocation of cryptographic resources to maximize performance and resilience.

Conclusions:

• A combined approach of switched QKD, centralized control, and SDN enables efficient policy-driven QKD network operation.
• The framework facilitates dynamic adaptation to network demands, such as prioritizing critical paths and responding to failures.
• Optimized allocation of cryptographic resources ensures network resilience and alignment with administrative policies.