A QUANTUM INSPIRED FRAMEWORK FOR SECURE AND OPTIMAL PATH SELECTION IN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS USING QKD AND GROVER’S ALGORITHM

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have significant issues in routing, maintaining security against quantum interference, and achieving maximum performance in resource-constrained contexts. Existing methods, such as conventional encryption models and standalone Quantum Key Distribution protocols, focus on either secure transmission or efficient pathfinding while bypassing their integration. This research proposes an innovative combination framework that incorporates QKD based on the BB84 protocol with Grover’s quantum search technique to obtain secure and optimal routing.The BB84-based QKD generates information-theoretically secure keys for encryption and authenticating data packets, successfully combating quantum-capable adversaries. In parallel, Gover’s technique is used to accelerates optimal pathfinding by effectively analyzing the routing space, which reduces computational complexity when compared to traditional approaches. Unlike previous research, this confluence strategy assures both post-quantum security and routing optimality, addressing limitations in wireless sensor networks.