Research on an Industrial Internet Data Encryption Architecture Based on Quantum Key Distribution

The industrial internet represents critical infrastructure that integrates modern information and communication technologies with industrial systems, driving the fourth industrial revolution. It enables industries to achieve digitalization, networking, and intelligent development, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and promoting sustainable manufacturing. However, with the rapid adoption of technologies such as 5G, big data, and artificial intelligence, the industrial internet faces increasingly complex security challenges, particularly in data transmission. Traditional encryption methods often struggle to meet the stringent security and performance demands of industrial environments. This paper proposes a novel data encryption architecture for the industrial internet that combines quantum key distribution (QKD), using the BB84 protocol, with active wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). This hybrid approach ensures robust security while optimizing data transmission over long distances. Two encryption schemes are introduced: one for high-volume data transfers and another for cost-sensitive, lower-volume applications. Simulation results demonstrate that increasing the average number of photons per pulse enhances the key generation rate (KGR), significantly improving key establishment speed and data signal utilization in industrial applications.