QKDNetSim+: Improvement of the quantum network simulator for NS-3

Abstract

The first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks are currently being deployed, but the implementation cost is still prohibitive for most researchers. As such, there is a need for realistic QKD network simulators. The QKDNetSim module for the network simulator NS-3 focuses on the representation of packets and the management of key material in a QKD network at the application layer. Although QKDNetSim’s representation of a QKD network is insightful, some its components lack the depth that would allow the simulator to faithfully represent the behaviour of a real quantum network. In this work, we analyse QKDNetSim’s architecture to identify its limitations, and we present an enhanced version of QKDNetSim in which some of its components have been modified to provide a more realistic simulation environment.

Keywords

• QKD
• NS-3
• Network simulation
• Quantum communications