PQC-Enhanced QKD Networks: A Layered Approach
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arXiv
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Preprint |
| Published: |
2026
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| _version_ | 1866914562315386880 |
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| author | Spooren, Paul Neuhold, Andreas Ramacher, Sebastian Hühn, Thomas |
| author_facet | Spooren, Paul Neuhold, Andreas Ramacher, Sebastian Hühn, Thomas |
| contents | We present a layered and modular network architecture that combines Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to provide scalable end-to-end security across long distance multi-hop, trusted-node quantum networks. To ensure interoperability and efficient practical deployment, hop-wise tunnels between physically secured nodes are protected by WireGuard with periodically rotated pre-shared keys sourced via the ETSI GS QKD 014 interface. On top, Rosenpass performs a PQC key exchange to establish an end-to-end data channel without modifying deployed QKD devices or network protocols. This dual-layer composition yields post-quantum forward secrecy and authenticity under practical assumptions. We implement the design using open-source components and validate and evaluate it in simulated and lab test-beds. Experiments show uninterrupted operation over multi-hop paths, low resource footprint and fail-safe mechanisms. We further discuss the design's compositional security, wherein the security of each individual component is preserved under their combination and outline migration paths for operators integrating QKD-aware overlays in existing infrastructures. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2604_05599 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | PQC-Enhanced QKD Networks: A Layered Approach Spooren, Paul Neuhold, Andreas Ramacher, Sebastian Hühn, Thomas Quantum Physics Cryptography and Security We present a layered and modular network architecture that combines Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to provide scalable end-to-end security across long distance multi-hop, trusted-node quantum networks. To ensure interoperability and efficient practical deployment, hop-wise tunnels between physically secured nodes are protected by WireGuard with periodically rotated pre-shared keys sourced via the ETSI GS QKD 014 interface. On top, Rosenpass performs a PQC key exchange to establish an end-to-end data channel without modifying deployed QKD devices or network protocols. This dual-layer composition yields post-quantum forward secrecy and authenticity under practical assumptions. We implement the design using open-source components and validate and evaluate it in simulated and lab test-beds. Experiments show uninterrupted operation over multi-hop paths, low resource footprint and fail-safe mechanisms. We further discuss the design's compositional security, wherein the security of each individual component is preserved under their combination and outline migration paths for operators integrating QKD-aware overlays in existing infrastructures. |
| title | PQC-Enhanced QKD Networks: A Layered Approach |
| topic | Quantum Physics Cryptography and Security |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.05599 |