Software-Defined Quantum Key Distribution Networks

This project will address the design of SDN-based QKD networks. In particular, the centralized control plane paradigm of SDN is perceived to be the breakthrough that would allow the widespread deployment of QKD networks due to the centralized nature of SDN technology. QKD can also be used as a solution for secure communication between SCN control-plane nodes and physical routers. This is addressed by integrating a QKD network alongside with traditional networks in seamlessly logical and physical manner. By sharing QKD devices at the core of the network among many applications, the SDN-based QKD architecture lowers the otherwise prohibitive costs for end users.

<p>The ever-increasing human dependency on communication technology, with its ubiquitous presence in our society, is creating an urgent need for reliably secure communication. Security has always been a concern for communications networks, and this is becoming a more serious problem with the emerging quantum computing technology. Quantum computers, a rapidly maturing technology that is capable of breaking traditional cryptographic barriers, will soon force communications network designers to rethink their security architectures and node design. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a physical layer security technology able to safeguard the communications network against some major quantum and/or classical security threats. However, to date, QKD has mainly been limited to relatively high cost point-to-point implementations, where a QKD device is required at each endpoint. On the other hand, recent advances in communication networks has resulted in the emergence of a new communication networking paradigm, where networks are software-based. In software-defined networks (SDNs), the communication infrastructure no longer relies on the traditional black-box network devices (nodes) where data and control functions are tied together. SDN decouples the data and control planes from each other. This has resulted in various advantages such as more network flexibility, robustness, optimization and cost efficiency, which are mainly due to the centralized control plane.</p> <p>This project will address the design of SDN-based QKD networks. In particular, the centralized control plane paradigm of SDN is perceived to be the breakthrough that would allow the widespread deployment of QKD networks due to the centralized nature of SDN technology. QKD can also be used as a solution for secure communication between SCN control-plane nodes and physical routers. This is addressed by integrating a QKD network alongside with traditional networks in seamlessly logical and physical manner. By sharing QKD devices at the core of the network among many applications, the SDN-based QKD architecture lowers the otherwise prohibitive costs for end users.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Electronic & Electrical Engineering FT, </strong></em>in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Software-Defined Quantum Key Distribution Networks</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/551/lotfi-mhamdi">Dr Lotfi Mhamdi</a> as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, please state clearly <em><strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong></em>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Monday 6 January 2025 if applying for the China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship, Monday 3 February 2025 if applying for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or Tuesday 1 April 2025 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship.</strong></p> <p>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p> </p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarship-2025-faculty-of-engineering-and-physical-sciences#:~:text=Key%20facts&text=One%20Leeds%20Doctoral%20Scholarship%20is,rata%20for%20part%2Dtime%20study.">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Monday 3 February 2025)</strong> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025) </strong>are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China <strong>(closing date: Monday 6 January 2025)</strong>. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p> <p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Lotfi Mhamdi by email to <a href="mailto:L.Mhamdi@leeds.ac.uk">L.Mhamdi@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>