Quantum entanglement resource utilization in quantum-classical networking
This work presents a hybrid quantum–classical architecture that converts entanglement-derived resources including ultra-precise timing, private/common randomness and certified entropy into first-class primitives for 5G networks. Semiconductor quantum-dot sources and correlation electronics distribute photon-pair coincidences, while a layered protocol stack exposes the resulting services to 5G core functions. As a proof-of-concept, we embed a quantum-random-number generator (QRNG) in the 5G Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) procedure, replacing the pseudo-random RAND generator in Open5GS with an HTTP-served QRNG feed. A simulation of sequential UE attachments shows that the QRNG path increases cumulative control-plane latency by ≈ 12 % and produces isolated Round-Trip-Time (RTT) spikes, yet leaves data-plane efficiency largely unchanged: delivery rate matches the baseline while a flatter pacing profile lowers the risk of queue build-up. These results quantify the performance trade-off of QRNG-enhanced 5G and motivate tighter in-process or hardware QRNG integration in future quantum-enabled mobile networks. • A unified architecture links quantum sources with existing mobile networks. • Layer mapping separates quantum entanglement and data transport clearly. • Integrated quantum randomness scheduling strengthens key security. • The framework guides engineers building future time synchronized hybrid communication networks.
Authors
- Riccardo Bassoli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6132-7985)
- Milad Ghadimi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7098-4226)
- Swaraj Shekhar Nande (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3437-277X)
- Frank H. P. Fitzek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8469-9573)
- Jungin E. Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3876-7963)
- Caspar Hopfmann (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8205-5686)
- Bassem Arar
- Akhmadjon Rajabov
- Yin Ming
- Muhammad Idham Habibie
- Buniechukwu Njoku (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0986-9178)
- Ernest Scholtz
Institutions
- Deutsche Telekom (Germany) (DE)
- Progenius (DE)
- Technische Universität Dresden (DE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Optical Switching and Networking
- Published
- 2025-10-15
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.osn.2025.100829
- Primary Topic
- Quantum Information and Cryptography
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00