Performance Evaluation of ML-KEM and ML-DSA Post-Quantum Algorithms in Real-World IoT Networks

Cemile İnce

doi:10.35377/saucis...1874093

Performance Evaluation of ML-KEM and ML-DSA Post-Quantum Algorithms in Real-World IoT Networks

Abstract

The recent introduction of Google’s Willow quantum chip has demonstrated remarkable computational capabilities, solving problems in microseconds that would take classical computers millions of years. As quantum computers advance toward cryptographic relevance, existing encryption algorithms become vulnerable to attacks that could break them within seconds or minutes, rendering current cryptographic protections ineffective. This necessitates the establishment of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards to secure systems in the quantum era. This study evaluates the performance of NIST-standardized PQC algorithms ML-KEM (512, 768, 1024) and ML-DSA (2, 3, 5) on a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, representing baseline IoT device capabilities. Using the Liboqs library, each algorithm was executed across 1000 iterations in a real-world wireless network environment connected to a router, accounting for practical network conditions such as packet loss, latency, and jitter to assess computational feasibility under resource-constrained conditions. Experimental results demonstrate the practical viability of PQC algorithms in IoT environments. ML-KEM-512 achieves encapsulation in 55.76 μs and decapsulation in 56.15 μs, with key generation in 123.78 μs (median), while ML-DSA-44 completes signature generation in 379.83 μs and verification in 159.38 μs. These findings confirm that both ML-KEM and ML-DSA algorithms offer efficient and rapid performance, making them suitable candidates for securing IoT devices against quantum threats.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

It is declared that during the preparation of this study, scientific and ethical principles were followed, and all studies used are listed in the bibliography.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Cryptography

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Cemile İnce ^*
0000-0002-4638-8501
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

July 22, 2026

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

January 28, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 10, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 4

DOI

https://doi.org/10.35377/saucis...1874093

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA76MB89EL

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

İnce, C. (2026). Performance Evaluation of ML-KEM and ML-DSA Post-Quantum Algorithms in Real-World IoT Networks. Sakarya University Journal of Computer and Information Sciences, 9(4), 1004-1011. https://doi.org/10.35377/saucis...1874093

AMA

1.İnce C. Performance Evaluation of ML-KEM and ML-DSA Post-Quantum Algorithms in Real-World IoT Networks. SAUCIS. 2026;9(4):1004-1011. doi:10.35377/saucis.1874093

Chicago

İnce, Cemile. 2026. “Performance Evaluation of ML-KEM and ML-DSA Post-Quantum Algorithms in Real-World IoT Networks”. Sakarya University Journal of Computer and Information Sciences 9 (4): 1004-11. https://doi.org/10.35377/saucis. 1874093.

EndNote

İnce C (September 1, 2026) Performance Evaluation of ML-KEM and ML-DSA Post-Quantum Algorithms in Real-World IoT Networks. Sakarya University Journal of Computer and Information Sciences 9 4 1004–1011.

IEEE

[1]C. İnce, “Performance Evaluation of ML-KEM and ML-DSA Post-Quantum Algorithms in Real-World IoT Networks”, SAUCIS, vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 1004–1011, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.35377/saucis...1874093.

ISNAD

İnce, Cemile. “Performance Evaluation of ML-KEM and ML-DSA Post-Quantum Algorithms in Real-World IoT Networks”. Sakarya University Journal of Computer and Information Sciences 9/4 (September 1, 2026): 1004-1011. https://doi.org/10.35377/saucis. 1874093.

JAMA

1.İnce C. Performance Evaluation of ML-KEM and ML-DSA Post-Quantum Algorithms in Real-World IoT Networks. SAUCIS. 2026;9:1004–1011.

MLA

İnce, Cemile. “Performance Evaluation of ML-KEM and ML-DSA Post-Quantum Algorithms in Real-World IoT Networks”. Sakarya University Journal of Computer and Information Sciences, vol. 9, no. 4, Sept. 2026, pp. 1004-11, doi:10.35377/saucis. 1874093.

Vancouver

1.Cemile İnce. Performance Evaluation of ML-KEM and ML-DSA Post-Quantum Algorithms in Real-World IoT Networks. SAUCIS. 2026 Sep. 1;9(4):1004-11. doi:10.35377/saucis. 1874093