6G QKD Network Controller for TeraflowSDN

In future 6G networks, secure communications are expected to use end-to-end quantum encryption. For that, efficient and scalable quantum key distribution (QKD) is required. Since 6G networks already rely on SDN paradigm for flexible network management, one possible solution is to integrate quantum key distribution functionality in a SDN Controller. In this paper, a new Quantum Key Distribution Network Controller is proposed, designed to smoothly integrate into the existing TeraFlowSDN. First, a conceptual view of the controller is presented, with a description of its main internal components. Then, the integration into TeraflowSDN and all major decisions are discussed. Finally, the status of the current implementation is highlighted and future steps enumerated.