SDN-enabled CV-QKD and classical channels coexistence: key insights for dense wavelength division multiplexing

Abstract

In this paper, we explored various physical-layer parameters affecting the coexistence of continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) and classical channels (CCs) within dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) in the C-band. These parameters include the number of transmitted quantum symbols, power levels of CCs, quantum channel (QC) allocation within the C-band, power distribution among CCs, channel spacing between CCs and the QC, and CC power ranges suitable for both CCs and the QC. These insights provide valuable guidance for a software-defined networking (SDN) control system to manage CV-QKD and CC coexistence effectively. We observed that, for short distances and lower key rates, the number of quantum symbols exchanged does not need to reach the asymptotic convergence limit. However, achieving the asymptotic regime on a 10 km link requires transmitting approximately ${1} \times {{10}^{13}}$ quantum symbols. CC power significantly impacts CV-QKD performance. For example, in a DWDM setup with 37 dummy CCs on a 100 GHz grid, CV-QKD can support up to 11 dBm total launch power over a 10 km link when the QC is positioned at 193.2 THz and a 200 GHz channel spacing between the QC and CCs is maintained. Strategic placement of the QC within the C-band also enhances performance. Placing the QC at higher frequency channels relative to CCs improves both the secret key fraction and the maximum supported power of CCs. For instance, placing the QC at 195.9 THz provides better performance than positioning it at 193.2 or 192.2 THz. However, when the QC is placed at 192.2 THz, the maximum supported CC power reduces to 9.8 dBm. Additionally, the relationship between power distribution and power concentration is complex and requires careful consideration. It depends on the number of active CCs, the power of CCs, and their spectral placement relative to the QC. We also analyzed the case of ${8} \times {200}{\rm G}$ modulated CCs and found that placing them 100 GHz from the QC introduces nonlinear noise but still allows a positive secret key fraction. Increasing the spacing to 200 GHz further improves CV-QKD performance. Joint performance analysis revealed that, at a 100 GHz spacing and a 30 dB optical signal-to-noise ratio for CCs, a launch power range of ${-}{16.96}$ to 9.03 dBm supports both error-free CC recovery and positive key rate generation over a 10 km link. This comprehensive analysis highlights the interplay between CV-QKD and CCs, offering practical strategies for optimizing their coexistence in DWDM systems through an SDN control system.