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Exploring Post Quantum Cryptography with Quantum Key Distribution for Sustainable Mobile Network Architecture Design

Sanzida Hoque, Abdullah Aydeger, Engin Zeydan

TL;DR

The paper addresses the quantum threat to mobile network security and sustainability by proposing an integrated architecture that combines post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with quantum key distribution (QKD). It analyzes PQC algorithm families, compares traditional and PQC approaches, and outlines a quantum-secure mobile-network design featuring Quantum Gateways and SDN/KMS for key management. The authors evaluate energy and performance trade-offs, map PQC schemes to specific mobile-network domains, and discuss practical use cases and challenges such as hardware costs and standardization needs. The work highlights hybrid cryptographic approaches and the need for collaborative standardization to enable secure, scalable, and sustainable 6G-era mobile networks.

Abstract

The proliferation of mobile networks and their increasing importance to modern life, combined with the emerging threat of quantum computing, present new challenges and opportunities for cybersecurity. This paper addresses the complexity of protecting these critical infrastructures against future quantum attacks while considering operational sustainability. We begin with an overview of the current landscape, identify the main vulnerabilities in mobile networks, and evaluate existing security solutions with new post-quantum cryptography (PQC) methods. We then present a quantum-secure architecture with PQC and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) tailored explicitly for sustainable mobile networks and illustrate its applicability with several use cases that emphasize the need for advanced protection measures in this new era. In addition, a comprehensive analysis of PQC algorithm families is presented, focusing on their suitability for integration in mobile environments, with particular attention to the trade-offs between energy consumption and security improvements. Finally, recommendations for strengthening mobile networks against quantum threats are provided through a detailed examination of current challenges and opportunities.

Exploring Post Quantum Cryptography with Quantum Key Distribution for Sustainable Mobile Network Architecture Design

TL;DR

The paper addresses the quantum threat to mobile network security and sustainability by proposing an integrated architecture that combines post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with quantum key distribution (QKD). It analyzes PQC algorithm families, compares traditional and PQC approaches, and outlines a quantum-secure mobile-network design featuring Quantum Gateways and SDN/KMS for key management. The authors evaluate energy and performance trade-offs, map PQC schemes to specific mobile-network domains, and discuss practical use cases and challenges such as hardware costs and standardization needs. The work highlights hybrid cryptographic approaches and the need for collaborative standardization to enable secure, scalable, and sustainable 6G-era mobile networks.

Abstract

The proliferation of mobile networks and their increasing importance to modern life, combined with the emerging threat of quantum computing, present new challenges and opportunities for cybersecurity. This paper addresses the complexity of protecting these critical infrastructures against future quantum attacks while considering operational sustainability. We begin with an overview of the current landscape, identify the main vulnerabilities in mobile networks, and evaluate existing security solutions with new post-quantum cryptography (PQC) methods. We then present a quantum-secure architecture with PQC and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) tailored explicitly for sustainable mobile networks and illustrate its applicability with several use cases that emphasize the need for advanced protection measures in this new era. In addition, a comprehensive analysis of PQC algorithm families is presented, focusing on their suitability for integration in mobile environments, with particular attention to the trade-offs between energy consumption and security improvements. Finally, recommendations for strengthening mobile networks against quantum threats are provided through a detailed examination of current challenges and opportunities.
Paper Structure (22 sections, 3 figures, 2 tables)

This paper contains 22 sections, 3 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Related Works
  3. Background on Mobile Network Security and PQC/QKD
  4. Security Vulnerabilities
  5. Traditional and PQC-based Security Solutions
  6. PQC algorithms
  7. Comparison with Traditional Approaches
  8. Quantum Secure Architecture and Use Cases for Mobile Networks
  9. Proposed Architecture
  10. Flowchart for Encrypted Data Transmission
  11. Potential Use Cases in Mobile Networks
  12. PQC algorithms for mobile networks
  13. Comparisons of PQC Algorithm Families
  14. Energy and Security Trade-offs
  15. Application Specific PQC Algorithm Comparisons
  16. ...and 7 more sections

Figures (3)

  • Figure 1: PQC Algorithms Categorization.
  • Figure 2: Quantum Secure Communication between peers when utilizing mobile network.
  • Figure 3: PQC/QKD Packet Exchanges between UE to 6G Core