Theoretical analysis of quantum key distribution systems when integrated with a DWDM optical transport network

Abstract

A theoretical research and numerical simulation of the noise influence caused by spontaneous Raman scattering, four-wave mixing, and linear channel crosstalk on the performance of QKD systems was conducted. Three types of QKD systems were considered: coherent one-way (COW) QKD protocol, subcarrier-wave (SCW) QKD system, and continuous-variable (CV) QKD integrated with classical DWDM channels. We calculate the secure key generation rate for the systems mentioned addressing different channel allocation schemes (i.e., configurations). A uniform DWDM grid is considered with quantum channel located in C-band and O-band (at 1310 nm) of a telecommunication window. The systems' performance is analyzed in terms of the maximal achievable distance values. Configurations for the further analysis and investigation are chosen optimally, i.e., their maximal achievable distances are the best.