Software package for estimating the characteristics of wireless communication channel with quantum-key distribution in atmosphere

A software package has been developed to calculate the availability of free-space optical communication on horizontal and inclined paths and to model optical communication between an earth station and a satellite to determine the most effective regimes and parameters of satellite optical communication equipment. The necessity of numerical simulation of free-space optical communication systems taking into account local weather conditions is demonstrated. A description of the basic functions of the developed software package for calculating the characteristics of the Earth-satellite optical communication channel protected by quantum key distribution (QKD) technology is presented. On the basis of numerical simulation with the use of the developed software package the influence of different types of atmospheric losses, including the characteristics of the transmitting and receiving equipment of both earth station and satellite is investigated. The simulation revealed the necessity to take into account many aspects to maximize the QKD efficiency in actual conditions. In particular, atmospheric effects such as refraction, absorption, aerosol scattering and QKD equipment parameters have been taken into account in the simulating the efficiency of satellite quantum key distribution and optical communication channel. It is demonstrated that the developed software offers new opportunities for research and practical application of quantum technologies in the cybersecurity field. This is important for data protection in the conditions of growing cybersecurity threats. It is shown that the capabilities of the developed software package can contribute to the creation of standardized approaches to the evaluation and improvement of quantum key distribution systems.