Switching Coordinator: An SDN Application for Flexible QKD-Networks
This work addresses the need for efficient and policy-driven operation in QKD networks, which is incremental as it combines existing technologies like SDN with QKD switching.
The authors developed a monitor and control framework for quantum-key-distribution (QKD) networks with switching capabilities, enabling real-time visibility and dynamic adaptation via SDN applications to optimize key allocation and resilience based on administrator policies.
A monitor and control framework for quantum-key-distribution (QKD) networks equipped with switching capabilities was developed. On the one hand, this framework provides real-time visibility into operational metrics. Specifically, it extracts essential data, such as the switching capabilities of QKD modules, the number of keys stored in buffer queues of the QKD links, and the respective key generation and consumption rates along these links. On the other hand, this framework allows software-defined networking (SDN) applications to operate on the collected information and address the cryptographic needs of the network. The SDN applications dynamically adapt the configuration of the switched network to align with its changing demands, e.g.,~prioritizing key availability on critical paths, responding to link failures, or reallocating generation capacity to prevent bottlenecks. This contribution demonstrates that the combination of switched QKD, centralized control, and global optimization strategies enables efficient, policy-driven operation of QKD networks. The cryptographic resources are allocated to maximize performance and resilience while remaining aligned with the specific policies set by network administrators.