Quantum Envisioned Edge Key Distribution System for 6G Assisted Internet‐of‐Battlefield‐Things

ABSTRACT This paper presents a novel system, QDrone , that employs Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in Internet of Battlefield Things (IoBT) networks under the backdrop of Sixth Generation (6G) communication services. The system is designed to build a resilient, confidential, and fail‐safe mission‐critical communication network. In QDrone , a three‐layered architecture is presented, which comprises a UAV layer, the quantum edge layer, and the ground control station (GCS) layer. A comparative analysis of QKD protocols such as BB84, B92, and E91 is performed at the edge layer, where key generation and eavesdropping detection are guaranteed. Extensive simulation is performed for the UAV‐GCS and the GCS‐GCS communication links, on metrics such as average runtime of QKD protocols, the private key lengths, and eavesdropper detection probability. For the 6G analysis, we have considered parameters like the Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) and latency. The results show that BB84, in conjunction with 6G, achieves a 40% reduction in QBER and a 50% improvement in the key generation rate compared to 5G, providing a robust, secure, and energy‐efficient IoBT network.