Power Network SCADA Quantum Communications: A Comparison of BB84, B92, E91, and SGS04 Quantum Key Distribution Protocols

The current state, emerging trends, and practical challenges of optical fiber-based power network SCADA quantum communication must be addressed to fully utilize the technological platform's potential in real-world power system SCADA communications involving massive volumes of real-time data, as well as in managing, encoding, and applications such as quantum cryptography. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is an essential part of the cybersecurity paradigm for quantum communication. Even though quantum computing with individual circuits yields probabilistic outcomes for the problem at hand, real-world datasets are complex and challenging to handle, even with telemetry. When using the cybersecurity triad of availability, confidentiality, and integrity (CIA) in reverse order (AIC), availability is given priority in electric power networks. This research assesses the use of the BB84, E91, B92, and SARG04 cryptographic protocols by applying them to large, multivariate power-system SCADA datasets and comparing the outcomes. By leveraging the variety of QKD protocols available with quantum electronics hardware, this simulation work provides a promising avenue for developing implementable frameworks and deploying SCADA/PMU networks in actual power systems.