Quantum-Resistant Networks Using Post-Quantum Cryptography

TL;DR

The paper addresses securing quantum networks against quantum-era threats by protecting classical coordination with post-quantum cryptography while preserving entanglement-based quantum channels. It develops a timing-aware PQC integration framework, analyzes single-hop, parallel, and sequential signaling scenarios, and proposes memory-aware PQC strategies. A hybrid MITM adversary model is introduced with explicit delays $T_{\text{Eve}}$ and $T_{\text{pqc}}$, yielding end-to-end security conditions and mitigation strategies. The work outlines scalable key management and physical-layer constraints necessary for practical, large-scale quantum networks.

Abstract

Quantum networks rely on both quantum and classical channels for coordinated operation. Current architectures employ entanglement distribution and key exchange over quantum channels but often assume that classical communication is sufficiently secure. In practice, classical channels protected by traditional cryptography remain vulnerable to quantum adversaries, since large-scale quantum computers could break widely used public-key schemes and reduce the effective security of symmetric cryptography. This perspective presents a quantum-resistant network architecture that secures classical communication with post-quantum cryptographic techniques while supporting entanglement-based communication over quantum channels. Beyond cryptographic protection, the framework incorporates continuous monitoring of both quantum and classical layers, together with orchestration across heterogeneous infrastructures, to ensure end-to-end security. Collectively, these mechanisms provide a pathway toward scalable, robust, and secure quantum networks that remain dependable against both classical and quantum-era threats.

Figures (1)

• Figure 1: Schematic of a quantum network represented as nodes connected by edges. Each edge consists of a quantum channel (solid line) and a PQC-protected classical channel (dotted line), ensuring secure communication between nodes.