How to Start Quantum Networking Projects Using NS2

To start Quantum Networking projects in NS2 (Network Simulator 2), we will need to replicate the unique features of quantum communication like qubits, entanglement, and quantum key distribution (QKD). NS2 is mainly created for classical networking, but it can be prolonged and adjusted for quantum networking concepts.

Below is a stepwise method to get started:

Steps to Start Quantum Networking Projects in NS2

  1. Understand Quantum Networking in NS2
  • What is Quantum Networking?
    • Quantum Networking utilises the quantum mechanics principles for communication such as qubits, entanglement, and superposition.
    • This networking is used in quantum key distribution (QKD), secure communication, and quantum internet.
  • Why NS2 for Quantum Networking?
    • NS2’s modular structure permits extensions for quantum concepts such as quantum links, entangled pairs, and quantum routing protocols which is customized.
    • We will need to replicate the hybrid classical-quantum networks for experimenting integration.
  1. Define Your Project Goals
  • Common Objectives:
    • Replicate the quantum key distribution such as BB84 protocol.
    • Execute quantum repeaters for long-distance interaction.
    • Experiment the quantum routing mechanisms like entanglement-based routing.
    • Examine the hybrid classical-quantum networks’ performance.
  1. Install NS2
  • Install NS2 on Linux:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install ns2

  • Confirm installation:

ns

If % emerges then the installation is effectively functioned.

  1. Extend NS2 for Quantum Networking
  • Custom Modules:
    • Prolong the NS2 environment by making custom C++ classes for quantum communication modules like qubits, entanglement.
    • Fine-tune the existing packet structure with quantum-specific metrics such as polarization, measurement of results.
  • Key Elements to Implement:
    • Quantum Nodes: Nodes able to making, saving, and sending the qubits.
    • Quantum Links: Connections with properties such as decoherence and entanglement fidelity.
    • Quantum Protocols: Quantum protocols utilised for QKD, quantum teleportation, and entanglement distribution.
  1. Create a Basic Quantum Network Simulation

Below is an instance for a hybrid classical-quantum network simulation in which QKD is applied for secure key exchange in Tcl script:

Example Script:

# Create a Simulator

set ns [new Simulator]

# Trace and NAM Files

set tracefile [open quantum_network.tr w]

$ns trace-all $tracefile

set namfile [open quantum_network.nam w]

$ns namtrace-all $namfile

# Define Nodes

set node1 [$ns node]  ;# Quantum Node 1

set node2 [$ns node]  ;# Quantum Node 2

set repeater [$ns node]  ;# Quantum Repeater

set classical_node [$ns node]  ;# Classical Node

# Quantum Links (Simulated with low bandwidth and high delay)

$ns duplex-link $node1 $repeater 1Mb 50ms DropTail

$ns duplex-link $repeater $node2 1Mb 50ms DropTail

# Classical Links

$ns duplex-link $node1 $classical_node 10Mb 5ms DropTail

# Traffic Generation (Quantum Key Distribution)

proc quantum_key_distribution {src dest key_size} {

global ns

puts “Initiating QKD from $src to $dest with key size: $key_size bits”

$ns at 1.0 “$src send-key $dest $key_size”

$ns at 2.0 “$dest receive-key $src”

}

# Generate Quantum Key

quantum_key_distribution $node1 $node2 256

# Classical Traffic (Secure Communication using QKD)

set tcp [new Agent/TCP]

$ns attach-agent $node1 $tcp

set sink [new Agent/TCPSink]

$ns attach-agent $node2 $sink

$ns connect $tcp $sink

set ftp [new Application/FTP]

$ftp attach-agent $tcp

$ftp start

# Finish Procedure

proc finish {} {

global ns tracefile namfile

$ns flush-trace

close $tracefile

close $namfile

exec nam quantum_network.nam &

exit 0

}

# Schedule End of Simulation

$ns at 10.0 “finish”

# Run Simulation

$ns run

  1. Simulate Key Quantum Networking Features
  • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD):
    • Replicate the BB84 protocols by means of executing a custom C++ module for QKD.
    • Integrate the packet-level specifics like photon polarization states and measurement outcomes.
  • Entanglement Distribution:
    • Design the entanglement generation and broadcast through the quantum links.
    • It has decoherence and fidelity metrics.
  • Quantum Repeaters:
    • Replicate the quantum repeaters for prolonging interaction range by way of regenerating entanglement.
  • Hybrid Classical-Quantum Routing:
    • Integrate the hybrid classical routing protocol such as AODV to include quantum routing for entanglement-based interaction.
  1. Analyze the Results
  • Metrics to Measure:
    • Key Generation Rate: Estimate the percentage of secure key generation within QKD.
    • Fidelity: Evaluate the entanglement’s quality after transmission.
    • Latency: Examine delays within quantum and classical communication.
    • Throughput: Measure the hybrid networks efficiency.
  • Trace File Analysis: Examine the trace file (quantum_network.tr) using AWK or Python for performance parameters:

grep “KEY” quantum_network.tr > key_distribution_analysis.txt

  • Visualization with NAM: Go to the .nam file for monitoring packet flow and quantum node communications:

nam quantum_network.nam

  1. Enhance the Simulation
  • Advanced QKD Protocols:
    • Execute the advanced QKD protocols like E91 or B92 for more powerful key distribution.
  • Noise Modeling:
    • Mimic quantum link noise and their influence over the interaction for modeling.
  • Dynamic Routing:
    • Execute the dynamic routing mechanisms which is utilised for quantum entanglement distribution.
  • Fault Tolerance:
    • Design the effect of node failures on quantum interaction and retrieval approaches.
  1. Advanced Quantum Networking Project Ideas
  • Quantum Internet: Replicate a multi-node quantum network including entanglement swapping and teleportation.
  • Quantum Key Distribution at Scale: Focus on the QKD protocols’ scalability within large networks.
  • Secure Communication: We need to equate the security of quantum-based communication to traditional encryption.
  • Hybrid Networks: Examine the combination of traditional and quantum networks.
  • Quantum Resource Optimization: Learn the quantum resource allocation within quantum networks such as qubit storage, entanglement distribution.
  1. Document Your Project
  • It offers more insights that contains:
    • Create project objectives and problem statement.
    • Define the network topology and protocol specifics.
    • Simulation metrics like link bandwidth, delay, and fidelity.
    • Examine the performance parameters such as key rate, fidelity, latency.
    • Envision the outcomes, graphs, and conclusions.

In this simulation, you can grasp the in-depth simulation process with sample coding to replicate and enhance the Quantum Networking Projects within NS2 simulation environment. If you want more advanced configurations, custom quantum modules, or specific scenarios in quantum networking project using NS2, will be added in another guide.