OptiNode: A ML Algorithm for Optimal Trusted Node Positioning in QKD Networks

Quantum Key Distribution Networks (QKDNs) rely on strategic trusted node deployment to overcome distance constraints and enable large-scale quantum-secured communication. We introduce OptiNode, a novel algorithm that determines, using Machine Learning (ML) techniques, the optimal placement of trusted nodes within QKDNs. Leveraging an analytical framework and Bayesian-optimized k-means clustering, OptiNode balances operational feasibility with communicational efficiency using only fixed node positions, which are to be connected, and their expected secure traffic as inputs. An empirical evaluation confirms the algorithm's effectiveness in generating deployable topologies. Our work paves the way for building efficient and high performance QKDN.