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oai:recercat.cat:2117/4233502025-07-23T01:55:08Zcom_2072_1033col_2072_452951

00925njm 22002777a 4500 dc Andrade, Sebastian author 2024-07-11 Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of cryptography, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to establish secure communication channels. Unlike classical cryptographic methods, QKD promises theoretically unbreakable security by ensuring that any attempt at eavesdropping can be detected. This thesis explores the practical implementation, challenges, and comparative security of various QKD scenarios within modern network infrastructures. We specifically analyze the security implications of integrating QKD with Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and compare it against Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG), Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), and Physical Unclonable Functions under different conditions, with the aim of providing a comprehensive evaluation of the strengths and vulnerabilities of each approach, guiding future developments in secure communication systems. After the analysis performed in this Master Thesis, we can safely conclude that the Quantum Key Distribution scenario is the ideal use case, having the highest overall security score. Meanwhile, the scenarios of QRNG and PQC are the closest to the ideal security when compared to QKD. Finally, while the PUF scenario has the lowest overall security score, it still presents better authentication features that can prove beneficial if combined with other scenarios. Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Informàtica::Seguretat informàtica::Criptografia Cryptography Computer security Quantum computing Quantum Key Distribution Quantum Random Number Generators Post-Quantum Cryptography Physical Unclonable Functions Criptografia Seguretat informàtica Computació quàntica Increasing Security by using quantum keys and physical unclonable functions