Cryptographic Resilience

Background: Mobile networks today specifically 5G require appreciable secure networks because of the emerging risks due to the growth in the deployment of network structures. Discovered weaknesses of cryptographic conventional methods to quantum computing breakthroughs make it necessary to develop quantum-resistant solutions. Objective: The article analysing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols in improving cryptographic performance in 5G networking environment, with emphasis on incorporating QKD into 5G network designs. Methods: The study performed both a systematic literature review and an evaluation of current QKD deployments, as well as a qualitative assessment of data derived from 20 key informant interviews on QKD in telecommunications and 15 technical reports. Latency and key generation rate experiments were both conducted with relay mechanisms including both trusted and untrusted optical fiber and wireless relay links, in addition to integration issues were explored using simulations over fiber and wireless emulated networks. Results: The outcomes emphasise that QKD brings radically enhanced key security in conjunction with low delay and high rate within integrated 5G architectures. Hybrid relay-based QKD augmented key generation rates by 23 % in comparison with previous techniques. There are also concerns associated with the implementation of internationally agreed on standards which include issues pertaining to non-compliance of the standards used in different countries and high costs involved when trying to implement these standards. Conclusion: QKD implementation also increases cryptographic protection of the 5G networks and makes infrastructures quantum-immune to threats originating from the quantum-age. To make it more widespread, additional standardization and a reduction in cost are required.