Securing the Access to the 5G core with Quantum Key Distribution

Securing the Access to the 5G core with Quantum Key Distribution

연구 분야: Cryptography

학회: 2025 25th Anniversary International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks (ICTON)

With the advent of quantum computing, the traditional security mechanisms employed in 5G communications might become vulnerable. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) stands as a promising approach to secure communications and build 5G networks for ensuring long-term security and safeguarding against emerging quantum threats. In our previous work, a system to integrate QKD in multi-site 5G core networks to secure inter-Network Function (NF) communications was proposed and validated. This paper extends that approach by exploring additional segments of 5G networks prone to quantum vulnerabilities, particularly in the segment between the Radio Access Network (RAN) and the 5G core for both 3GPP and Non-3GPP access. This paper describes the proposed quantum-safe 5G network architecture and discusses the benefits and challenges of deploying QKD-enabled security in these segments.