Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) enables secure communications via the exchange of cryptographic keys exploiting the properties of quantum mechanics. Nowadays the related technology is mature enough for production systems, thus field deployments of QKD networks are expected to appear in the near future, starting from local/metropolitan settings, where edge computing is already a thriving reality. In this paper, we investigate the interplay of resource allocation in the QKD network vs. edge nodes, which creates unique research challenges. After modeling mathematically the problem, we propose practical online policies for admitting edge application requests, which also select the edge node for processing and the path in the QKD network. Our simulation results provide initial insights into this emerging topic and lead the way to upcoming studies on the subject.

翻译：量子密钥分发（Quantum Key Distribution, QKD）通过利用量子力学特性交换加密密钥，实现安全通信。当前，相关技术已足够成熟以支持生产级系统，因此QKD网络的现场部署预计将在不远的将来出现，最初从本地/城域场景起步，而边缘计算在这些场景中已成为蓬勃发展的现实。本文研究了QKD网络与边缘节点间资源分配的相互作用，这引发了独特的研究挑战。在对该问题进行数学建模后，我们提出了用于接纳边缘应用请求的实用在线策略，这些策略同时选择处理应用的边缘节点以及QKD网络中的路径。我们的仿真结果为此新兴课题提供了初步见解，并为后续相关研究指明了方向。