2023/05/03 by Claudio Cicconetti, Marco Conti, Cicconetti, Claudio +3
Computer Science · Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Computer and information sciences #FOS: Physical sciences #Networking and Internet Architecture (cs.NI) #Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture #Quantum Information and Cryptography #Quantum Mechanics and Applications #Quantum Physics (quant-ph)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2305.02015
openalex publication_date 2023/05/03 · openalex created_date 2023/05/05 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) enables secure communications via the exchange of cryptographic keys exploiting the properties of quantum mechanics. Nowadays the related technology is mature enough for production systems, thus field deployments of QKD networks are expected to appear in the near future, starting from local/metropolitan settings, where edge computing is already a thriving reality. In this paper, we investigate the interplay of resource allocation in the QKD network vs. edge nodes, which creates unique research challenges. After modeling mathematically the problem, we propose practical online policies for admitting edge application requests, which also select the edge node for processing and the path in the QKD network. Our simulation results provide initial insights into this emerging topic and lead the way to upcoming studies on the subject.