A Comprehensive Review of 5G Security Architecture and Quantum-Safe Communication Using Quantum Key Distribution and Post-Quantum Algorithms

Abstract

G Network Architecture technology is undergoing a revolution in wireless communication, delivering ultra-high data rates, massive device connectivity, low latency and intelligent network automation, all of which are relevant to smart city, healthcare, autonomous vehicle and industrial IoT applications. But with its distributed and software-defined design, 5G architecture presents a number of security challenges, which include network slicing vulnerabilities, attacks against edge computing, denial-of-service threats, authentication complications, and privacy threats. In today communication systems, attack surface is growing due to increased reliance on both cloud-based infrastructures and virtualization. With the arrival of high powered quantum computers, these will able to achieve quantum based computational attacks on classical cryptographic methods like RSA and ECC, it is expected that traditional cryptographic mechanisms will become vulnerable for use in a 5G security framework. To overcome these difficulties, Quantum Key Distribution has come up as a possible answer to secure quantum-safe communication based on quantum mechanics principles which can enable key exchange which is theoretically unbreakable. This review covers an outline of the security architecture of 5G networks, threats to integration strategies of QKD, quantum computing, and the implications of post-quantum cryptography in future communication systems. The paper also explores the latest developments, implementation hurdles, standardization initiatives, and avenues for future research into the construction of secure quantum-resilient networks of 5G and next-generation 6G Communication Systems.