Quantum-aware routing and wavelength assignment for classical traffic in hybrid quantum-classical optical networks.

Abstract

As a prototype of quantum communications, quantum key distribution (QKD) is recommended for integration into the existing optical infrastructures to enable scalable quantum networking. This necessitates the development of supporting resource allocation strategies for carrier-grade operations. In this work, we propose a quantum-aware RWA framework with dual-granularity power control (QRA-PC) to mitigate quantum-classical interference under hybrid network constraints. In a 9-node mesh network with 1 GHz discrete-variable QKD systems coexisting in the C-band, QRA-PC with local power control mode achieves an average SKR of 891.9 kb/s at a traffic load of 50 erlangs, compared to the first-fit baseline of 50.4 kb/s. This result is achieved without incurring any classical traffic blocking.