Application Possibilities of Containerization in QKD Network Simulations

This paper proposes an application-oriented framework for integrating quantum network simulators using the Docker platform, with emphasis on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. The approach enhances scalability, reproducibility, and modularity by containerizing three simulation tools: SeQUeNCe, QuNetSim, and SimQN as independent services interconnected within a unified Docker Compose environment. API-based communication and shared data volumes enable multi-layer simulation that links the physical, network, and routing layers of QKD systems. To support analysis and reporting, the framework includes a Jupyter Notebook service for post-processing and an interactive Plotly visualization pipeline that renders topology, link-quality distributions, and routing outcomes directly from simulation outputs. The experimental implementation shows that Docker simplifies orchestration, deployment, and interoperability of complex quantum simulations while maintaining consistent behavior across heterogeneous computing platforms. Results confirm that the proposed architecture accelerates scenario testing across diverse network topologies and parameters, offering a portable and extensible foundation for research and practice in quantum network design and secure communications.