[OPSAWG] New Liaison Statement, "LS on work progress on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network in SG13 (as of March 2023)"

[Liaison Statement Management Tool <[e-mail]>]

Title: LS on work progress on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network in SG13 (as of March 2023)
Submission Date: 2023-04-17
URL of the IETF Web page: https://datatracker.ietf.org/liaison/1826/

From: Tatiana Kurakova <[e-mail]>
To: Henk Birkholz <[e-mail]>,Joe Clarke <[e-mail]>,Tianran Zhou <[e-mail]>
Cc: Warren Kumari <[e-mail]>,Henk Birkholz <[e-mail]>,Tianran Zhou <[e-mail]>,Scott Mansfield <[e-mail]>,Operations and Management Area Working Group Discussion List <[e-mail]>,Robert Wilton <[e-mail]>,Joe Clarke <[e-mail]>
Response Contacts: [e-mail]
Technical Contacts: 
Purpose: For information

Body: ITU-T SG13 is pleased to inform you of our progress on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) topics.
SG13 has published 15 Recommendations and 3 Supplements on QKDN as follows:

- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3800 “Overview on networks supporting quantum key distribution”;
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3801 “Functional requirements for quantum key distribution networks”;   
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3802 “Quantum key distribution networks – Functional architecture”; 
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3803 “Quantum key distribution networks – Key management”;  
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3804 “Quantum key distribution networks - Control and management”;
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3805 “Quantum Key Distribution Networks - Software Defined Networking Control”;
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3806 “Quantum key distribution networks - Requirements for quality of service assurance”;
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3807 “Quantum Key Distribution networks - QoS parameters”;
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3808 “Framework for integration of quantum key distribution network and secure storage network”;
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3809 “A role-based model in quantum key distribution networks deployment”;
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3810 “Quantum key distribution network interworking - Framework”;
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3811 “Quantum key distribution networks - Functional architecture for quality of service assurance”;
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3812 “Quantum key distribution networks - Requirements for machine learning based quality of service assurance”;
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3813 “Quantum key distribution networks interworking – functional requirements”;
- Recommendation ITU-T Y.3814 “Quantum key distribution networks - functional requirements and architecture for machine learning enablement”;
- Supplement ITU-T Y.Sup70 to Y.3800-series “Quantum Key Distribution Networks - Applications of Machine Learning”;
- Supplement ITU-T Y.Sup74 to Y.3000-series “Standardization roadmap on Quantum Key Distribution Networks”;
- Supplement ITU-T Y.Sup75 to Y.3800-series “Quantum key distribution networks - Quantum-Enabled Future Networks”.

1. The items approved after the November 2022 WP3/13 meeting

The draft Recommendations ITU-T Y.3813 and Y.3814 were approved. 

Recommendation ITU-T Y.3813 (ex Y.QKDN-iwrq) “Quantum key distribution networks interworking – functional requirements” 

For quantum key distribution networks (QKDN), Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN_iwrq specifies functional requirements for QKDN interworking (QKDNi). This Recommendation describes the functional requirements for key management layer, QKDN control layer, and QKDN management layer, for interworking using gateway nodes (GWNs) and/or interworking nodes (IWNs).

Recommendation ITU-T Y.3814 (ex Y.QKDN-ml-fra) “Quantum key distribution networks - functional requirements and architecture for machine learning enablement” 

QKDN is expected to maintain stable operations and meet the requirements of various cryptographic applications efficiently. Due to the advantages of machine learning (ML) related to autonomous learning, ML can help to overcome the challenges of QKDN in terms of quantum layer performances, key management layer performances and QKDN control and management efficiency. Based on the functional requirements and architecture of QKDN in [ITU-T Y.3801] and [ITU-T Y.3802], this recommendation is to specify one possible set of functional requirements and a possible architecture for ML-enabled QKDN (QKDNml), including the overview, the functional requirements, architecture and operational procedures of QKDNml.

In the SG13 meeting (Geneva, 13 – 24 March 2023), Q16/13 has made progress of the following work items.

2. The items agreed at March 2023 SG13 meeting

New Supplement 75 to ITU-T Y.3000-series Recommendation (formerly TR-QEFN), “Quantum key distribution networks – Quantum-Enabled Future Networks” in TD96/PLEN 

The scope of this Supplement is to describe ITU-T’s Views for Quantum-Enabled Future Networks (QEFN) for the future networks study to act as a document to help SG13 to study the future network evolution towards Quantum era.

New Supplement 74 to ITU-T Y.3000-series Recommendation (formerly Y.supp.QKDN-roadmap), “Standardization roadmap on Quantum Key Distribution Networks” in TD100/PLEN
Supplement Y.supp.QKDN-roadmap to ITU-T Y-series Recommendations provides the standardization roadmap on quantum key distribution networks. It describes the landscape with related technical areas of trust technologies from an ITU-T perspective and list up related standards and publications developed in standards development organizations (SDOs).

3. Revised on-going work items

Draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN-rsfr “Quantum key distribution networks – overview of resilience” in TD222/WP3

For quantum key distribution network (QKDN), this recommendation describes an overview of QKDN resilience with models of QKDN protection and recovery.

Draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN-iwac “Quantum key distribution network interworking - architecture” in TD232/WP3

For quantum key distribution networks (QKDN), Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN_iwac specifies functional architecture for QKDNi.

Draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDNi_SDNC “Quantum Key Distribution Network Interworking – Software Defined Networking Control” in TD233/WP3

This draft Recommendation specifies the Software Defined Network control for the interworking including the overview of the role of SDN control for the interworking between QKDN providers, the functional entities of SDN control for the interworking, the interfaces of SDN control for the interworking, the functional requirements of SDN control for the interworking, and the security considerations.

Draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDNf_fr “Framework of Quantum Key Distribution Network Federation” in TD234/WP3

This draft Recommendation specifies the framework of Quantum Key Distribution Network Federation (QKDNf) including the overview of QKDNf, reference architecture for enabling QKDNf, functional entities of QKDNf, reference points for the QKDNf, functional requirements of the QKDNf, overall operational procedures of QKDNf and security considerations.

Draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN-AMC “Quantum key distribution networks - Requirements and architectural model for autonomic management and control" in TD235/WP3

Autonomic Management and Control (AMC) is about Decision-making-Elements (DEs) as autonomic functions (i.e. control-loops) with cognition introduced in the management layer as well as in the control layer. Cognition in DEs, enhances DE logic and enables DEs to manage and handle even the unforeseen situations and events detected in the environment around the DE(s). As the number and diversity of devices that make up the individual QKDNs continue to grow, automating QKDN control and management tasks becomes ever-more important to improve the quality of services (QoS).

To cope with the challenges of QKDN control and management, while minimizing human intervention towards full automation of QKDN, this draft Recommendation specifies the requirements and architectural models for AMC in QKDNs including the overview, requirements, consideration for cognition process and architectural model.

Draft Technical Report ITU-T TR-QN-UC “Use cases of quantum networks beyond QKDN” in TD237/WP3

Based on the deliverable (D1.2) of the ITU-T Focus Group on Quantum Information Technology for Networks (FG QIT4N), this Technical Report sorts and analyses use cases of quantum networks beyond QKDN collected from FG QIT4N in the context of networking technologies as the mandate of ITU-T SG13. 

The uses cases which are only applied by quantum networks beyond QKDN are collected, investigated and summarized; all use cases are analysed by current bottlenecks, application scenarios, technical requirements and solutions. This Technical Report also provides analyses for future applications and potential standardization requirements.

Draft Supplement ITU-T Y.supp.QKDN-UC “Use cases of quantum key distribution networks” in TD236/WP3

Based on the deliverable (D2.2) of the ITU-T Focus Group on Quantum Information Technology for Networks (FG QIT4N), this Supplement consolidates the QKDN use cases collected from the ITU-T FG QIT4N in the context of networking technologies as the mandate of ITU-T SG13. 

Through a comprehensive analysis, the QKDN uses cases are classified into several classes and this Supplement highlights the competitive advantage of the use cases brought by QKDN and provides suggestions for future standardization efforts in ITU-T SG13.

Draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN_SSNreq “Functional requirements for integration of quantum key distribution network and secure storage network" in TD238/WP3

This Recommendation specifies functional requirements for integration of quantum key distribution network and secure storage network. It includes detailed description of the followings:
- functional requirements for SSN user plane	;
- functional requirements for SSN control plane;
- functional requirements for SSN storage plane;
- functional requirements for SSN management plane.

Draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN_SSNarch “Functional architecture for integration of quantum key distribution network and secure storage network" in TD239/WP3

This draft Recommendation will study on functional architecture for integration of quantum key distribution network and secure storage network. It includes detailed description of the followings:
- functional architecture model;
- functional elements;
- reference points;
- share format and metadata;
- storage configuration;
- operational procedures.

Draft Recommendation Y.QKDN-qos-iw-req “Requirements of QoS assurance for QKDN interworking " in TD339/WP1

This draft Recommendation specifies the high-level and functional requirements of QoS assurance for quantum key distribution networks (QKDN) interworking, and the scope of this recommendation is as follows:
- Overview of QoS assurance for QKDN interworking
- High-level requirements of QoS assurance for QKDN interworking
- Functional requirements of QoS assurance for QKDN interworking;

Draft Recommendation Y.QKDN-qos-ml-fa “Quantum key distribution networks: Functional architecture enhancement of machine learning based quality of service assurance " in TD340/WP1

This Recommendation specifies the functional architecture enhancement of machine learning based QoS assurance for IMT-2020 network, the scope of this recommendation is as follows:
- Overview of requirements of machine learning based QoS assurance for QKDN;
- Functional architecture enhancement of machine learning based QoS assurance for QKDN;
- Reference points of machine learning based QoS assurance for QKDN
- Procedures of machine learning based QoS assurance for QKDN;

This Recommendation uses machine learning only in the context of QoS assurance. Therefore any other use of machine learning is out of scope of this Recommendation.

4. New work items agreed at the March 2023 SG13 meeting

Draft Technical Report on "Overview for integration of quantum key distribution network with non-quantum cryptographies” in TD244/WP3 

This report provides the overview for integration of quantum key distribution network with non-quantum cryptographies under three categories as follows:
- QKDN’s relation to end-to-end cryptography service
- Service Scenarios for the integration with non-quantum cryptography (e.g., PKI architecture)
- Implications for standardization activity on Study Group 13

Draft Supplement ITU-T Y.supp.QKDN_sync “Analysis of Time Synchronization in Quantum Key Distribution Networks” in TD245/WP3

This Supplement to ITU-T Y.3800-series Recommendations provides instructive information on time synchronization solution, function, and implementation in quantum key distribution networks (QKDN), including time synchronization function in quantum, KM, management, and control layers of QKDN.

Draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN-TSNfr “Framework for integration of quantum key distribution network and time sensitive network " in TD246/WP3

This Recommendation specifies the framework for integration of quantum key distribution network (QKDN) and time sensitive network (TSN) including the overview and scenarios of QKDN and TSN integration, the network capabilities to support QKDN and TSN integration, the conceptual structure and basic functions of QKDN and TSN integration, and its overall operational procedures and security considerations. 

Draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN-rsrq “Requirements for quantum key distribution network resilience” in TD247/WP3

For quantum key distribution networks (QKDN), Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN-rsrq specifies the general requirements for resilience, and separately specifies the supporting requirements for protection and recovery.

Draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN-qos-auto-rq “Quantum key distribution networks – Requirements for autonomic quality of service assurance” in TD344/WP1

The QKDN is expected to be able to provide optimized support for a variety of different QKD services. The key performance indicators (KPIs) include optimal latency, accuracy, throughput, and availability for key distribution. However, one of the challenges of the QKDN is to assure the network performance and different QoS/QoE requirements of different application scenarios in an autonomic way. The autonomic ability for QoS in QKDN will support the seamless intelligent decision-making feedback loop of precise monitoring of status of managed QKDN resources, intelligent decision-making and necessary policy-generation based on the monitored QKDN QoS information, and open programmable enforcement of generated policies. To enable the autonomic QoS assurance, the requirements of autonomic QoS planning, autonomic QoS monitoring, autonomic QoS optimization, autonomic QoS provisioning, autonomic QoS protection and recovery are needed. 
This draft recommendation specifies the overview, the high-level requirements and functional requirements of autonomic QoS assurance for QKDN. The security considerations are also illustrated.

5.Conclusion

SG13 will study the network aspects of QKD. Q16/13 looks forward to close cooperation with ITU-T SG2, SG11, SG15, SG17, ETSI ISG-QKD, ISO/IEC JTC1/SC27, WG14, AG4, IETF/IRTF, and relevant groups for future standardization on QKD networks. 

Attachments:
1) The new Supplement 74 to ITU-T Y.3000-series Recommendation (formerly Y.supp.QKDN-roadmap) “Standardization roadmap on Quantum Key Distribution Networks” (TD100/PLEN);
2) The updated draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN-iwac “Quantum key distribution network interworking - architecture” (TD232/WP3);
3) The updated draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN-rsfr “Quantum key distribution networks – overview of resilience” (TD229/WP3);
4) The new Supplement 75 to ITU-T Y.3000-series Recommendation (formerly TR-QEFN) “Quantum key distribution networks – Quantum-Enabled Future Networks”;
5) The updated draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDNi_SDNC “Quantum Key Distribution Network Interworking – Software Defined Networking Control” (TD233/WP3);
6) The updated draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDNf_fr “Framework of Quantum Key Distribution Network Federation” (TD234/WP3);
7) The updated draft Technical Report ITU-T TR-QN-UC “Use cases of quantum networks beyond QKDN” (TD237/WP3);
8) The updated draft Supplement ITU-T Y.supp.QKDN-UC “Use cases of quantum key distribution networks” (TD236/WP3);
9) The updated draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN-AMC “Quantum key distribution networks - Requirements and architectural model for autonomic management and control" (TD235/WP3);
10) The updated draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN_SSNreq “Functional requirements for integration of quantum key distribution network and secure storage network" (TD238/WP3);
11) The updated draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN_SSNarch “Functional architecture for integration of quantum key distribution network and secure storage network" (TD239/WP3);
12) The updated draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN-qos-iw-req “Requirements of QoS assurance for QKDN interworking" (TD339/WP1);
13) The updated draft Recommendation ITU-T Y.QKDN-qos-ml-fa “Quantum key distribution networks: Functional architecture enhancement of machine learning based quality of service assurance" (TD340/WP1).
Attachments:

    SG13-LS77_att12
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-1.pdf

    SG13-LS77_att11
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-2.pdf

    SG13-LS77_att10
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-3.pdf

    SG13-LS77_att9
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-4.pdf

    SG13-LS77_att8
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-5.pdf

    SG13-LS77_att7
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-6.pdf

    SG13-LS77_att6
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-7.pdf

    SG13-LS77_att5
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-8.pdf

    SG13-LS77_att4
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-9.pdf

    SG13-LS77_att3
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-10.pdf

    SG13-LS77_att2
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-11.pdf

    SG13-LS77_att1
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-12.pdf

    SG12-LS77
    https://www.ietf.org/lib/dt/documents/LIAISON/liaison-2023-04-17-itu-t-sg-13-opsawg-ls-on-work-progress-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-network-in-sg13-as-of-march-2023-attachment-13.docx