Page 51 - Kaleidoscope Academic Conference Proceedings 2021

QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS FOR TRUSTED 5G AND BEYOND:
AN ITU-T STANDARDIZATION PERSPECTIVE

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Taesang Choi , Hyungsoo Kim , Jeongyun Kim , Chun Seok Yoon , Gyu Myoung Lee ***
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* Electronic and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Korea (Rep. of), KT, Korea (Rep. of), Liverpool John
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Moores University, UK and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea (Rep. of)
ABSTRACT Organizations (SDOs) such as the European
Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) mainly
The introduction of Quantum Key Distribution Networks targeted QKD systems with security solutions and have
(QKDNs) into current communication networks (e.g. 5G started to consider network aspects of QKD recently for a
networks) and cryptographic infrastructures brings new large-scale trusted network [1]. There are specific groups
challenges to the design of network architecture and security such as ETSI Industry Specification Group on Quantum Key
considerations. This paper introduces core standards on Distribution for Users (ISG-QKD) [6], ISO/IEC JTC1/SC27
QKDNs developed in ITU-T SG13 and pre-standardization (Information security, cyber security and privacy protection)
activities in ITU-T FG-QIT4N. Then, this paper discusses [7], and the Internet Engineering/Research Task Force
key challenges and identifies potential work items for (IETF/IRTF) Quantum Internet Research Group (QIRG) [8].
stimulating future standardization for quantum enhanced
networking and services considering trustworthy networking This paper introduces core standards on the functional
technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine requirements and architectures as well as key management,
Learning (ML) techniques for 5G and beyond. and control and management for QKDNs developed in
ITU-T SG13. In addition, this paper presents standardization
Keywords – Quantum key distribution network (QKDN), efforts for software defined networking control and Quality
quantum information technology, standardization, ITU-T of Service (QoS) related aspects in QKDNs along with
business role-based models as a guideline for applying
1. INTRODUCTION service scenarios as well as for deployment and operation of
QKDNs. It also introduces several ongoing work items (e.g.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies are expected QKDN interworking, machine learning (ML)-enabled
to be important to secure the transmission of critical data QKDN, resilience framework, etc.) recently started in ITU-
[1][2]. QKD is based on the principles of quantum T SG13.
information theory and allows the establishment of
information-secure cryptographic keys. A QKD protocol ITU-T Focus Group on Quantum Information Technology
allows the distribution of symmetric random bit strings as a for Networks (FG-QIT4N) [9] was established and ITU-T is
secure key that can be proven to be secure, even against an developing the standardization roadmap on QKDN. Based
eavesdropper with unbounded computational resources on these activities, this paper discusses key challenges and
under the assumptions supporting the security proof model. identifies potential work items for stimulating future
A QKD Network (QKDN) is a technology that extends the standardization for quantum enhanced networking and
reachability and availability of QKD. A QKDN with services considering trustworthy networking technologies
multiple point-to-point QKD devices enables point-to- and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ML
multipoint key distribution [3]. Ultra-security and resiliency techniques for 5G and beyond.
are identified as key features for 5G and beyond [4].
Therefore, the introduction of QKDNs into current and The rest of the paper is organized as follows. Section 2
emerging communication networks (e.g. 5G and beyond summarizes standardization activities on QKDN in ITU-T.
networks) and cryptographic infrastructures brings new Sections 3 and 4 present recent progress for related
challenges to the design of network architecture and the standardization in ITU-T SG13 as well as FG-QIT4N.
development of security solutions, as QKD technologies Section 5 discusses challenges for future standardization,
have their unique features and restrictions. along with the conclusion and future work in Section 6.

As the lead group for future networks with a focus on 5G in 2. QKDN STANDARDIZATION IN ITU-T
ITU-T, Study Group (SG) 13 has been focusing on QKDN
standardization [5]. Furthermore, ITU-T established the Co- QKD is a procedure or method for generating and
located Quantum (CQ) meeting for collaboration with SG17 distributing symmetrical cryptographic keys with
on QKDN security aspects. Other Standards Development information theoretical security based on quantum

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