Toshiba and Orange Achieve Quantum-Safe Data Transmission Milestones

• Toshiba and Orange have achieved important milestones in quantum-safe data transmission through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology.
• The successful transmission of secure quantum data at speeds of 400 Gbit/s over a 184 km fiber link was achieved, demonstrating the practicality of QKD.
• This breakthrough addresses the imminent threat that quantum computing poses to traditional public key encryption methods, offering a promising solution to mitigate these threats.

It is widely noted that, Toshiba and Orange have achieved important milestones in quantum-safe data transmission. Through a meticulous series of evaluations, the two companies have demonstrated the practicality of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology for safeguarding data transmitted over fiber optic networks.

The evaluations, which were conducted in laboratory settings, covered several key achievements. Initially, tests demonstrated the coexistence of QKD with a large volume of conventional dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) data signals. The researchers subsequently achieved a remarkable feat by successfully transmitting secure quantum data at speeds of 400 Gbit/s over a 184 km fiber link. This achievement involved the deployment of three QKD links and two trusted nodes, one of which facilitated the coexistence of QKD and classical data.

One of the main challenges this research addresses is the imminent threat that quantum computing poses to traditional public key encryption methods. As quantum computing capabilities continue to advance, current encryption techniques risk becoming vulnerable to attacks.

QKD, which leverages the unique properties of quantum mechanics to generate and propagate secure cryptographic keys, offers a promising solution to mitigate these threats. However, integrating QKD into existing fiber networks designed for classical data transmission presents its own set of challenges.

Through their collaborative efforts, Toshiba and Orange have demonstrated that QKD technology can be seamlessly integrated with current fiber networks, alongside conventional data services. By implementing QKD into existing fiber infrastructure, significant cost savings can be achieved, eliminating the need for dedicated fibers for quantum transmission.

Building on the success of the initial evaluations, further experiments were conducted to evaluate the implementation of QKD on complex network architectures reflecting real-world scenarios.

A 184 kilometer long network was configured, resembling typical metropolitan fiber deployments, with multiple QKD links and reliable nodes. Toshiba’s quantum key management system played a critical role in ensuring the secure transmission of quantum keys over the network, supported by advanced encryption technologies from Adtran and Adva Network Security.

The research culminated in the successful transmission of quantum-safe encrypted data at commercial transfer speeds, demonstrating the viability of QKD in real-life network environments. Sharply, these findings underscored practicality in integrating QKD into deployed fiber networks enabling end-to-end high-speed encrypted data transmission over multiple extended fiber links and trusted nodes.

“Data security is essential for our services at Orange,” said Laurent Leboucher Group CTO and Senior Vice President at Orange Innovation Networks. “Our latest work demonstrates that Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) can be integrated into existing regional network infrastructures marking significant advances in secure communications.”

As part of their evaluations Toshiba and Orange tested two variants showing adaptability to different network configurations as detailed within their research article providing valuable information for organizations planning to implement QKD improving data security.

“We’ve seen many organizations move from simply assessing threats posed by quantum computing taking steps to protect themselves,” said Dr Andrew Shields Director at Toshiba’s Quantum Technology Division “These laboratory evaluations have shown that our technology can be successfully deployed today without need for further investments.”

The successful collaboration between Toshiba and Orange represents significant advancements offering tangible solutions addressing evolving cybersecurity challenges.

This content was provided by Telecoms Tech News.