QKDlinkit

QKDlinkit is a software framework and reference implementation designed to facilitate the deployment of quantum key distribution (QKD) in modern communications networks. It provides an abstraction layer that bridges QKD hardware and traditional cryptographic software, enabling interoperable key exchange and streamlined integration with existing security infrastructures.

The architecture is modular, consisting of a hardware abstraction layer, a QKD protocol module, a key management system, and network interfaces. It supports multiple QKD protocols (including BB84 and BBM92) and decoy-state methods, with device adapters intended to cover a range of commercial and research QKD devices. A post-processing pipeline handles sifting, error correction, and privacy amplification.

Key management covers the complete key lifecycle, from generation and distribution to storage, rotation, and revocation. The framework provides time synchronization, authenticated channels for classical communication, and policy-based key usage. It supports multi-node networks, trusted relays, and key relaying where direct quantum links are limited.

Status and impact: QKDlinkit is described in academic and industry literature as a promising approach to standardizing QKD integration, reducing vendor lock-in, and enabling more scalable quantum-secure deployments. Adoption remains experimental in many settings, with ongoing work focused on interoperability, performance optimization, and security assurance.