English

Secure Quantum Communication: Simulation and Analysis of Quantum Key Distribution Protocols

Quantum Physics 2026-04-14 v1

Abstract

Quantum computing poses significant threats to conventional cryptographic techniques such as RSA and AES, motivating the need for quantum secure communication methods. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers information theoretic security based on fundamental quantum principles. This paper presents a simulation-based analysis of well-known QKD protocols, namely BB84, B92, and E91, using the IBM Qiskit framework. Realistic quantum channel effects, including noise, decoherence, and eavesdropping, are modeled to evaluate protocol performance. Key metrics such as error rate, secret key generation, and security characteristics are analyzed and compared. The study highlights practical challenges in QKD implementation, including hardware limitations and channel losses, and discusses insights toward scalable and robust quantum communication systems. The results support the feasibility of QKD as a promising solution for secure communication in the quantum era.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2603.16690,
  title  = {Secure Quantum Communication: Simulation and Analysis of Quantum Key Distribution Protocols},
  author = {Mahendra Rasay and Emmanuel D. Sebastian and Subhash Prasad Sah and David Chinamerem Akah and Ajay Kumar Singh},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2603.16690},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

19 pages, 22 figures, Submitted to Advanced Quantum Technologies(Wiley)

R2 v1 2026-07-01T11:24:27.542Z