The first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks are currently being deployed, but the implementation cost is still prohibitive for most researchers. As such, there is a need for realistic QKD network simulators. The \textit{QKDNetSim} module for the network simulator NS-3 focuses on the representation of packets and the management of key material in a QKD network at the application layer. Although QKDNetSim's representation of a QKD network is insightful, some its components lack the depth that would allow the simulator to faithfully represent the behaviour of a real quantum network. In this work, we analyse QKDNetSim's architecture to identify its limitations, and we present an enhanced version of QKDNetSim in which some of its components have been modified to provide a more realistic simulation environment.

翻译：首个量子密钥分发（QKD）网络目前正在部署中，但其实现成本对大多数研究人员而言仍过于高昂。因此，亟需开发具有现实模拟能力的QKD网络模拟器。网络模拟器NS-3的\textit{QKDNetSim}模块专注于应用层QKD网络中数据包的表示与密钥材料的管理。尽管QKDNetSim对QKD网络的表征具有启发性，但其部分组件的深度不足以使该模拟器准确反映真实量子网络的行为。本研究通过分析QKDNetSim的架构以识别其局限性，并提出其增强版本——通过修改部分组件以提供更逼真的模拟环境。