Efficient quantum-error correction for QoS provisioning over QKD-based satellite networks

Quantum cryptography is one of the most promising technologies for guaranteeing the absolute security in communications over various advanced networks, including fiber networks and wireless networks. In particular, quantum key distribution is an efficient encryption scheme on implementing secure satellite communications between satellites and ground stations. However, it faces many new challenges such as high attenuation and low polarization-preserving capability or extreme sensitivity to the environment. In order to guarantee the quality of service (QoS) provisioning of quantum communications over 3D satellite networks, we need to focus on the security problem and throughput efficiency through correcting the errors resulted from the objective and adversary influences. To overcome these problems, we model the noisy quantum channel and implement an efficient quantum error correction scheme to ensure the security and increase the quantum throughput efficiency in QKD-based satellite networks. The simulation results obtained show that our proposed efficient QEC scheme for QoS guarantee outperforms the other existing quantum error correction schemes in terms of security and the quantum throughput efficiency.

I. Introduction

It is well known that security guarantee is one of the most important requirements in satellite communications, which keeps on attracting significant research attention in QoS-driven 3D satellite networks. For space communications security, various techniques have been developed such as frequency-hopping detection with digital spread spectrum, game-theory for anti-jamming analysis, and Quality of Service (QoS) routing methods for dynamic spectrum access [1]–[4]. Each of these techniques monitor a network, but to secure communications, encryption methods are desired. Classically, there are two types of encryption key distribution schemes: the one using trusted couriers and the other based on the principles of public-key cryptography [5]. In practice, the trusted couriers method cannot be applied in large scale systems, such as satellite communications networks, due to their high expense and impracticability. Likewise, the public-key cryptography method does not work well when the eavesdroppers have powerful computing capacity. Thus, we need to employ more revolutionary encryption methods to guarantee the security of satellite communications [6].