Quantum-Secured Onion Routing with Federated Learning for 5G-Enabled Spaceborne IoT Networks

Abstract

In this paper, we recommend an Onion Routing framework powered by federated learning and augmented with E91-based quantum key distribution (QKD) to protect next-generation communication systems like 5G-supported satellite and spaceborne IoT networks. Conventional encryption techniques protect message content but are still susceptible to traffic analysis and developing quantum attacks, necessitating layered, robust protection. In the suggested solution, locally on resourcelimited nodes, lightweight intrusion detection models are trained, whereas just onion-encrypted updates are shared for global aggregation, while keeping privacy intact and bandwidth usage minimum. Onion Routing offers multi-layer anonymity against adversarial eavesdropping, and QKD gives quantum-resilient key distribution immune to cryptanalytic attacks. Experimental testing on the X-IIoTID dataset indicates that the framework records a global accuracy of 98.03% with a loss of 0.0567, which confirms its effectiveness in identifying distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Through decentralized intelligence, anonymity, and quantum-level security, this research sets the stage for a scalable and future-proof communication model for vital spaceborne applications.