Abstract
The integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (TN-NTN) in 6 G is essential to support real-time applications like the Metaverse and intelligent edge services, which demand ultra-reliable low-latency communications (xURLLC). Managing these networks and maintaining robust security presents significant challenges due to their complexity and high-dimensional environments. Quantum communication, particularly quantum key distribution (QKD), offers a promising solution by providing unbreakable encryption and enhancing security across TN-NTN architectures. In this paper, we propose a novel deep reinforcement learning approach for QKD-enabled resource allocation in 6 G TN-NTN Metaverse service and transform the joint resource allocation and QKD deployment cost optimization problem into a stochastic game model to ensure secure and efficient resource distribution across TN-NTN environment. We introduce a novel hierarchical multi-agent proximal policy optimization (MAPPO) framework to address the formulated optimization problem. This framework enables dynamic and secure allocation of Metaverse resources and services from multiple providers to users while minimizing QKD deployment costs. Our simulations demonstrate that the proposed framework significantly enhances network performance, reduces key generation costs, and optimizes resource utilization and service quality.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | ICC 2025 - IEEE International Conference on Communications |
| Editors | Matthew Valenti, David Reed, Melissa Torres |
| Publisher | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. |
| Pages | 807-812 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9798331505219 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9798331505226 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 26 Sept 2025 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 2025 IEEE International Conference on Communications, ICC 2025 - Montreal, Canada Duration: 8 Jun 2025 → 12 Jun 2025 |
Publication series
| Name | IEEE International Conference on Communications |
|---|---|
| ISSN (Print) | 1550-3607 |
Conference
| Conference | 2025 IEEE International Conference on Communications, ICC 2025 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Canada |
| City | Montreal |
| Period | 8/06/25 → 12/06/25 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2025 IEEE.
Keywords
- MAPPO
- Metaverse
- QKD
- Quantum communication
- TN-NTN