We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest study, “SDN-enabled CV-QKD and classical channels coexistence: key insights for dense wavelength division multiplexing”, in J. Opt. Commun. Netw. (Vol. 17, pp. B28–B37, 2025).
In this paper, we present a comprehensive analysis of how continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) can be integrated into modern optical networks using dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), alongside classical high-capacity channels, under a software-defined networking (SDN) control framework.
Key findings include:
- The number of quantum symbols required for asymptotic key generation versus short-distance/low-rate scenarios.
- How classical channel (CC) launch power affects CV-QKD performance; e.g., in a setup with 37 dummy classical channels on a 100 GHz grid, CV-QKD can support up to ~11 dBm total launch power over 10 km when the quantum channel (QC) is positioned at 193.2 THz and 200 GHz spacing is maintained.
- The optimal spectral positioning of the quantum channel: placing the QC at higher frequency within the C-band improves both the secret-key fraction and tolerated classical channel power (e.g., 195.9 THz outperforms 193.2 or 192.2 THz).
- The influence of guard-band/spacing and power distribution among CCs on the coexistence performance, with practical guidelines for SDN-controlled operation.
Read the full article here: https://opg.optica.org/jocn/abstract.cfm?uri=jocn-17-6-B28
We believe this work offers valuable insights for researchers and network designers working at the intersection of quantum communications and classical optical networks.
— The Research Team