Performance Analysis of ETSI GS QKD 014 Protocol in 5G/6G Networks

The advancement of mobile networks driven by the introduction of 5G/6G technologies has brought more complex security challenges for end-users. Certain services within these advanced networks demand the highest level of performance and security, as any vulnerabilities could lead to critical repercussions. One promising solution to address these concerns is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which leverages the principles of quantum physics to offer information-theoretically secure keys. In this study, we present the implementation of a version of the key delivery protocol outlined in the ETSI GS QKD 014 standard and evaluate its performance. Following the implementation, we propose an empirically derived model of key metrics based on regression analysis of experimental results to validate the efficiency and performance of the QKD key delivery protocol. Furthermore, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of potential use cases for this protocol in the context of 5G/6G networks, showcasing its effectiveness in enhancing security.