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>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate</strong>. <br /> •    The admission year for this project is <strong>2027/28</strong> Academic Year. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>PHP Electronic & Electrical Engineering Full Time.</strong> <br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the<strong> Research Information Section</strong> that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Software-Defined Quantum Key Distribution Networks</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/551/lotfi-mhamdi">Dr Lotfi Mhamdi</a>  as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section</strong>, <strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong>.</p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>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:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <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><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> </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 criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

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>This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding.</p> <p>You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/">Postgraduate Research Opportunities</a> website.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (<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>For further information about your application, including how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:epspgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">epspgradmissions@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>