AAP Recommendation

Y.3838: Quantum key distribution networks - Framework for service awareness

Study Group
13

Study Period
2025-2028

Consent Date
2026-07-02

Approval Date

Provisional Name
Y.QKDN-safr

Input used for Consent
SG13-TD199/PLEN (2026-06)

Status
LC

IPR

Quantum key distribution networks (QKDN) can be regarded as a kind of cryptographic infrastructure since it supports more and more cryptographic applications, such as video conference, VoLTE, email, etc. Diversified cryptographic applications put forward differentiated service requirements for QKDN, including low deterministic latency, low jitter, high deterministic availability, and guaranteed key supplies and so on. With the separation mechanism of QKDN and cryptographic services, the underlying QKDN network cannot perceive service characteristic information, it is difficult to identify the SLA guarantee requirements of services. Therefore, it is necessary to consider service awareness function for QKDN with the guidance of service awareness, service scheduling and service differentiation which can aware users, service requirements, QKDN resource and service status and so on in real time, so as to provide differentiated services. Meanwhile, it’s valuable to carry out necessary standardization works. This Recommendation specifies scenarios, requirements and functional model of service awareness for QKDN.

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