# Quantum Authentication Evolution: Novel Approaches for Securing Quantum Key Distribution
## 5 QKD Authentication Model Setup and Details  
In this study, our primary objective is to ascertain the most effective method for authenticating the classical channel within the BB84 and SARG04 protocols, leveraging the capabilities of post-quantum signature algorithms. Additionally, our focus extends to a detailed exploration of specific scenarios, leading us to formulate a set of recommendations tailored for practical implementation in a BB84 and SARG04 experimental QKD setups. To achieve this goal, we employ Python to simulate the procedural intricacies of the BB84 and SARG04 protocols.  
A comprehensive breakdown of the technical aspects of this simulation is provided, offering an in-depth understanding of the simulation's intricacies and methodologies. This simulation serves as a pivotal tool in our quest to refine classical channel authentication within the BB84 and SARG04 frameworks and extract practical insights for real-world QKD implementations. To achieve the requested outcomes, we conduct simulations of the QKD protocols, specifically the BB84 and SARG04 protocols. Our simulation will be implemented in a Python3 script. The Python3 script from Github.com encapsulates the entire simulation process, encompassing the BB84 and SARG04 protocols, classical channel authentication, error correction, and privacy amplification. Within this repository, one can also find the data processing procedures employed to generate the plots presented in this work. This  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c} \hline \hline
**Security Bits** & **DILITHIUM** & **SPHINCS+** & **FALCON** & **RAINBOW** \\ \hline
128 & DILITHIUM 2 & SPHINCS-128f-simple & FALCON 512 & RAINBOW IIIc-classic \\
192 & DILITHIUM 3 & SPHINCS-192f-simple & - & RAINBOW Vc-classic \\
256 & DILITHIUM 5 & SPHINCS-256f-simple & FALCON 1024 & - \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 1: Compilation of post-quantum algorithms and corresponding security levels.  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c c} \hline \hline  & \multicolumn{5}{c}{**Post-Quantum Algorithm**} \\ \hline
**Security Bits** & **Size in Bytes** & **DILITHIUM** & **SPHINCS+** & **FALCON** & **RAINBOW** \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{128} & SK & 2544 & 64 & 1281 & 626,048 \\  & PK & 1312 & 32 & 897 & 882,080 \\  & Sig & 2420 & 16,972 & 659 & 164 \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{192} & SK & 4016 & 96 & - & 1,408,736 \\  & PK & 1952 & 48 & - & 1,930,600 \\  & Sig & 3293 & 35,664 & - & 212 \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{256} & SK & 4880 & 128 & 2305 & - \\  & PK & 2592 & 64 & 1793 & - \\ \cline{1-1}  & Sig & 4595 & 49,216 & 1276 & - \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 2: The sizes in bytes for secret keys (SK), public keys (PK), and signatures (sig) across three distinct security levels, 128, 192, and 256 bits, are presented. These measurements apply to each post-quantum algorithm examined in this study. All the reported values ensure a reliable and standardized benchmark for performance assessment in the realm of post-quantum cryptography.  
open-access repository serves as a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the intricacies of the simulation and reproducing the results outlined in this study.  
Initially, our exploration mirrors a process akin to classical cryptography, involving a key exchange. Within this framework, the QKD protocol is invoked to generate a predetermined number of bits, serving as the foundation for a subsequent symmetric key. The focus then shifts to evaluating the efficacy of various algorithms in authenticating the classical channel within the BB84 and SARG04 protocols. To scrutinize the performance of these algorithms, we meticulously examine specific variables across different security levels. This comprehensive analysis encompasses a thorough investigation of the variables under consideration throughout this study.