Quantum key distribution networks (QKDNs): standardization progress, challenges, and evolution towards quantum networks

Lee, GM ORCID: 0000-0002-2155-5553 Quantum key distribution networks (QKDNs): standardization progress, challenges, and evolution towards quantum networks. Journal of Optical Communications and Networking. ISSN 1943-0620 (Accepted)

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Abstract

Quantum key distribution networks (QKDNs) provide a practical approach for delivering quantum-secured key services to existing communication infrastructures. As QKDNs evolve from point-to-point QKD systems towards carrier-grade network infrastructures, standardization becomes essential for defining common architectures, functional models, interfaces, control and management mechanisms, security requirements, and service integration procedures. This paper presents a standardization-oriented review of QKDNs, with emphasis on their architectural foundations, operational functions, deployment challenges, and evolution towards quantum networks. First, we introduce the basic concept of QKDNs and analyze the global standardization ecosystem involving ITU-T, ETSI, ISO/IEC, IETF, IEEE, and related coordination mechanisms. Then, we describe the QKDN framework specified by ITU-T, including the architecture, layered functional model, reference points, key management, control and management, QoS support, resilience, and interworking. Based on this framework, we discuss the major challenges for carrier-grade QKDN deployment, including multi-provider interoperability, cost-efficient integration with existing optical communication infrastructures, coexistence between QKD and classical optical channels at the transmission layer, cross-layer service orchestration, scalability for mobile, low-altitude, and satellite-assisted scenarios, as well as QKDN extension for end-to-end modern cryptography services. Finally, we overlook how QKDN standardization may support the broader evolution from trusted-node-based QKD networks towards quantum networks. The objective is to provide a systematic architectural and operational perspective on standardized QKDNs and to outline future research and standardization directions for scalable quantum-secured networking.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	0906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering; 0915 Interdisciplinary Engineering; 1005 Communications Technologies; 4006 Communications engineering; 4009 Electronics, sensors and digital hardware
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Computer software
Divisions:	Computer Science and Mathematics
Publisher:	Optica Publishing Group
Date of acceptance:	24 August 2026
Date Deposited:	01 Sep 2026 10:00
Last Modified:	01 Sep 2026 10:00
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29232

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