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（QKD）利用量子力学特性通过交换加密密钥实现安全通信。当前该技术已足以支撑生产系统，因此QKD网络的实地部署有望在不远的将来出现，最初将聚焦于边缘计算已蓬勃发展的本地/城域场景。本文研究了QKD网络与边缘节点资源分配间的相互作用，这一交叉领域产生了独特的研究挑战。在对问题进行数学建模后，我们提出了实用的在线策略用于准入边缘应用请求，该策略同时选择处理请求的边缘节点及QKD网络中的路由路径。仿真结果为该新兴课题提供了初步见解，并为后续相关研究指明了方向。