Feasibility Analysis of QKD Integration in Real-World FTTH Access Networks

• DOI: 10.1109/jlt.2023.3303908
• Publication Date: 2023-08-10T17:42:15Z
• Authors: Dimitris Zavitsanos; Argiris Ntanos; Theofanis Stathop...; Adam Raptakis; Fotini Setaki; George Lyberopoulos; Christos Kouloume...; Giannis Giannoulis; Hercules Avramopo...
• Keywords: Quantum key distribution; Gigabit; Access network

We present a real-world Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON)-based Fiber to the Home (FTTH) network serving up 32 users, installed in COSMOTE laboratories Athens. The deployment relies on use of fiber optics and GPON telecom equipment which are identical those found currently deployed FTTH infrastructure. describe real-life designs that correspond specific installations considered Athens urban metropolitan area. propose practical upstream Quantum Access (QAN) over network, relied centralized quantum receiver (Bob) station located at operator's Central Office, exploits Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) framing technique receive single-photons from multiple independent transmitters (Alice) users premises. This integration scheme is characterized by performing series noise measurements single-photon level evaluate potential coexistence classical/quantum links same cores. count rates follow Raman profile for specified values effective cross-sections downstream data channels. Subsequently, experimental results exploited performance widely-used Coherent One Way (COW) Key Distribution (QKD) protocol. presented simulation layer suggest feasibility our short feeder segments. Finally, dependance Secure Rate (SKR) capacity also discussed.