A Survey on Post-Quantum Cryptography for 5G/6G Communications

As quantum computing capabilities accelerate, together with the discovery of Shor’s Algorithm, existing encryption protocols, such as TLS (Transport Layer Security) and IPsec (Internet Protocol Security), face the risk of becoming obsolete. This vulnerability poses a significant challenge for 5G and 6G mobile networks, which rely on these protocols for data transmission. This survey explores the potential of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms as viable alternatives for securing mobile communications. Through a comprehensive review of NIST-shortlisted PQC algorithms, this paper examines their relevance, efficiency, and adaptability in 5G and 6G architectures. Case studies, including real-world implementations by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and IBM, illustrate the growing acceptance and practical applicability of these quantum-resistant algorithms.