Key-Management and Control Systems for QKD
Besides the mere generation of quantum-safe keys by Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the further procedure with the keys, such as storage, management, and distribution to the target applications just in time, also plays a major role in the ongoing security. Often, this equally important field is still insufficiently standardized, so that a unified overview of the current developments in the field of key management systems (KMS) and their control structures is becoming increasingly important, especially for QKD networks. In particular terms from the field of network management, such as software-defined networking (SDN) supporting controllers and orchestrators, are often not used in an unambiguous way. The following document focuses on KMS and their control structures and describes ongoing standardizations by ETSI and ITU-T in comparison. In addition, frequently used key monitoring parameters are presented, and open questions about the various interfaces are raised.
Only if the slowly establishing methods are officially standardized, an increasingly commercial use can be made possible. In this way, the standardizations can be implemented in commercial devices. This facilitates the establishment of QKD networks and the interoperable integration of devices from different vendors into an existing network.
WiN-Lab Research: Key-management and control systems for QKD
Jasmin Neumann, Felix Trunk, Susanne Naegele-Jackson. December 2024