Standard

The present document specifies a communication protocol and data format for a quantum key distribution (QKD) network to supply cryptographic keys to an application.

The present document provides a definition of management interfaces for the integration of QKD in disaggregated network control plane architectures, in particular with Software-Defined Networking (SDN). It defines abstraction models and workflows between a SDN-enabled QKD node and the SDN controller, including resource discovery, capabilities dissemination and system configuration operations. Application layer interfaces and quantum-channel interfaces are out of scope.

Recommendation ITU-T Y.3802 defines a functional architecture model of quantum key distribution (QKD) networks. In order to realize this model, it specifies detailed functional elements and reference points, architectural configurations and basic operational procedures of QKD networks (QKDN).

Recommendation ITU-T Y.3803 provides help for the design, deployment, and operation of key management of a quantum key distribution network (QKDN). 

Recommendation ITU-T X.1712 specifies security threats and security requirements for key management in quantum key distribution networks (QKDNs), and then it specifies security measures of key management to meet the security requirements. This Recommendation provides support for design, implementation, and operation of key management in QKDN with approved security.

The objective of this Recommendation is to provide guidance on security requirements for trusted nodes in QKD networks. This Recommendation will identify the security threats and provide security requirements of trusted node, as well as some implementation examples to meet the requirements.

This standard defines the Software-Defined Quantum Communication (SDQC) protocol that enables configuration of quantum endpoints in a communication network in order to dynamically create, modify, or remove quantum protocols or applications. This protocol resides at the application layer and communicates over Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. The protocol design facilitates future integration with Software-Defined Networking and Open Networking Foundation OpenFlow. The standard defines a set of quantum device configuration commands that control the transmission, reception, and operation of quantum states. These device commands contain parameters that describe quantum state preparation, measurement, and readout.

ITU-T Y.QKDN-qos-fa: "Functional architecture of QoS assurance for quantum key distribution networks"

ITU-T Y.QKDN_QoS_gen: "General aspects of QoS on the Quantum Key Distribution Network"

This recommendation specifies requirements of machine learning based QoS assurance for the quantum key distribution networks (QKDN). This recommendation first provides an overview of requirements of machine learning based QoS assurance for the QKDN. It describes a functional model of machine learning based QoS assurance and followed by associated high level and functional requirements of machine learning based QoS assurance.

This standard addresses quantum technologies specific terminology and establishes definitions necessary to facilitate clarity of understanding to enable compatibility and interoperability.

The standard covers quantum computing performance metrics for standardizing performance benchmarking of quantum computing hardware and software. These metrics and performance tests include everything necessary to benchmark quantum computers (stand alone and by/for comparison) and to benchmark quantum computers against classical computers using a methodology that accounts for factors such as dedicated solvers.