Quantum Communication & QKD Network Simulator
The Quantum Communication & QKD Network Simulator is a comprehensive simulation tool designed to evaluate end-to-end performance of quantum communication networks that incorporate
Overview
The Quantum Communication & QKD Network Simulator is a comprehensive simulation tool designed to evaluate end-to-end performance of quantum communication networks that incorporate Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over diverse link types, including terrestrial fiber, free-space optical (FSO), satellite, and underwater optical communication (UOWC) channels. It allows modeling of both point-to-point and multi-node network configurations using trusted relay or quantum repeater concepts. The tool supports the simulation of network-level metrics such as end-to-end QBER, SKR per link and per path, key generation rate across network topologies, and secure path routing. It is tailored for researchers, network planners, and cybersecurity experts aiming to design or optimize QKD-enabled quantum networks.
Note: Distributed as a compiled .exe file with embedded MATLAB code. No source code will be provided. MATLAB Runtime (MCR) is sufficient.
Key features
- Supported Link Types: Optical Fiber: With loss per km, detector dark counts, and dispersion effects., FSO (Atmosphere): Includes attenuation, turbulence, pointing error, AOA fluctuations., Satellite Links: Uplink/downlink with orbital dynamics and link budget modeling., Underwater Optical Links: Includes attenuation due to absorption/scattering, temperature, salinity.
- Network Topology Support: Point-to-point, Star, Ring, Mesh, Trusted relay-based QKD networks, Quantum repeater-based architecture (ideal model) QKD Protocols: BB84, Decoy-State BB84, Entanglement-based QKD (E91 – simplified modeling), MDI-QKD (Measurement-device-independent, optional toggle)
- Performance Metrics: Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER), Sift Probability, Secret Key Rate (SKR), End-to-end throughput and latency, Node-to-node link availability under varying channel conditions
- Routing & Path Simulation: Shortest-path and max-key-rate routing algorithms, Dynamic path selection based on link condition, Key pool simulation and refresh timing analysis
Use cases
- Quantum Network Design: Plan hybrid terrestrial-satellite QKD networks with secure routing
- Feasibility Studies: Evaluate environmental and channel limitations in new regions or scenarios
- Cybersecurity Planning: Model key availability and resilience under link degradation or failure
- Education and Demonstration: Teach quantum network operation concepts with interactive visuals
System requirements
- Software Dependencies: MATLAB or MATLAB Runtime (MCR)