We are pleased to share our recently published journal article:
Continuous Variable QKD in Flexible Optical Networks for Future Quantum Secure Connectivity
Michela Svaluto Moreolo, Masab Iqbal, Arturo Villegas, Ramon Casellas, Laia Nadal Reixats & Raul Muñoz
Journal of Optical Communications and Networking (JOCN), Vol. 17, Issue 6, pp. B71–B82 (2025).
Overview:
As future network architectures evolve to support ultra-high capacity demands and enhanced security requirements (e.g., for 6G), integrating quantum key distribution (QKD) into existing optical infrastructures becomes essential. In this work, we focus on continuous variable QKD (CV-QKD) — a QKD modality that offers cost and integration advantages with conventional coherent optical systems.
Highlights:
- We compare two CV-QKD models and establish practical figures for required block sizes under composable security assumptions.
- We present simulations and coexistence scenarios where a CV-QKD channel shares spectrum with classical traffic in a flexible-grid optical network.
- Results indicate minimum quantum-classical channel spacing requirements (e.g., ~112.5 GHz to 125 GHz with realistic power budgets) to maintain secure key generation in coexistence environments.
- We discuss how SDN-enabled network management can dynamically allocate quantum channels, facilitating efficient resource sharing and network flexibility.
Access the Full Paper:
https://doi.org/10.1364/JOCN.553771
This research contributes toward the practical adoption of quantum-secure connectivity in next-generation optical networks.