- The goal was to protect the integrity of a fibre-optic link between data centres and demonstrate that quantum cryptography is compatible with new “Hollow Core” fibre-optic technology
- It is also a globally leading initiative because of its interoperability of chained QKD manufacturers, which allows extending the distance between the data centres where encryption takes place/li>
- This is a breakthrough in terms of improved security to provide cryptographic protection against advancements in decryption by quantum computers, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
October 11, 2024 – lyntia is once again a pioneer in promoting innovation in the telecommunications sector, in this case with Nokia, LuxQuanta, ID Quantique, evolutionQ, OFS | Furukawa Solutions and Digital Realty.
Industry-leading companies have teamed up to conduct a proof of concept of quantum cryptography systems also known as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in a real-world data centre production network environment. The goal was clear: to secure a fibre-optic link from Digital Realty’s data centre and, in turn, to demonstrate on one leg of the connection the compatibility of quantum cryptography with a new, very low-latency fibre-optic technology.
Currently, the transmission of information is predominantly protected by asymmetric encryption protocols based on mathematical algorithms such as number factorization problems. However, advancements in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing threaten the security of this cryptographic approach. In particular, it is estimated that, in the coming years, quantum computers will be able to break current cryptography based on mathematical problems with relative ease, putting the security of all digital communications of large companies at serious risk.
Two major quantum-safe cryptographic alternatives have been developed to address this security threat: Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). PQC is a software-based solution that employs complex mathematical algorithms to resist quantum computing attacks. However, since it relies on mathematical problems, there remains the possibility that future advancements could eventually solve these, potentially compromising its security.
lyntia, aware of the need for readiness and adoption of quantum-safe cryptographic security solutions, has driven this proof of concept exploiting the second alternative: Quantum Key Distribution. QKD allows the secure exchange and generation of cryptographic symmetric keys between two locations protecting them by the laws of quantum physics. This physical method does not rely on mathematical algorithms, offering a genuinely future-proof approach to information security which can be used alongside other cryptographic techniques to provide greater defence and resiliency.
In this test, two versions of QKD technology, from the two manufacturers LuxQuanta (CV-QKD) and ID Quantique (DV-QKD), along with a Quantum Key Management System (QKMS) from evolutionQ, were used to protect data centre access connections. This is a breakthrough for companies in terms of security, introducing this new technology capable of providing cryptographic protection even against quantum computers.
Once the connection between the data centre and the customer is secured with LuxQuanta’s CV-QKD systems using the “Hollow-Core” fibre, a second deployment of QKD systems, in this case from the manufacturer ID Quantique, is made via conventional fibre from lyntia to extend the reach of the connection by several tens of kilometres.
This ambitious collaboration culminates in the seamless integration of Nokia and evolutionQ systems, ensuring effective orchestration of the deployment. Nokia has provided high-capacity, low-latency, and highly available encryption systems utilizing quantum-secure keys to ensure in-flight data confidentiality, alongside its certified geo-redundant Security Management Server (SMS) systems.
By continuously monitoring the Quantum-Safe optical data centre connectivity service, the SMS can automatically ensure quantum-computer-safe connectivity by reverting to classic physics-based keys in the event of DDoS attacks on the QKD layer or failures in both key generation and distribution, resulting in a highly available Quantum-Safe optical data centre connectivity service.
Equally crucial is evolutionQ’s role in the success of the project. Its key management system, known as BasejumpQDN, ensures efficient management of QKD keys between nodes and manages the delivery of these to Nokia’s encryptors at the right time.
In short, this test allows the daisy-chaining of two QKD systems to transmit quantum keys over a longer distance over a production network, allowing to reach longer distances of up to 200 kilometres with just one pair of devices. From now on, it will be possible to carry out this transmission to more datacentres as more equipment is installed.
A proof of concept ahead of the curve
This test is ahead of the curve, offering companies an excellent level of communications security that can be controlled by their own departments and preparing them to solve cyber-security problems for when quantum computing, AI and ML can hack most of today’s encryption strategies.
lyntia is leading this initiative together with the other partners participating in this proof of concept. On the one hand, the manufacturers of QKD equipment, the companies LuxQuanta and ID Quantique, the company evolutionQ as QKD integrator, as well as Nokia, which is responsible for the manufacture of DWDM and OFS | Furukawa Solutions, manufacturer of the ‘Hollow Core’ fibre cable. Digital Realty also took part in the trial by providing the data centre that hosted the launch event.
This project anticipates the growing threat facing the cybersecurity of digital communications, serving as an example and a call to action for multiple sectors, especially for data centres. The implementation of new cryptographic security solutions, such as QKD and related technologies, is already a reality.
Eduardo Duato, CTO of lyntia, noted: “At lyntia, we continue to drive innovation to provide our customers with the highest quality communications platform. The success of this quantum cryptography test demonstrates our position as a neutral operator, enabling our customers to implement their own encryption systems with confidence, and reinforces our commitment to protecting data from the challenges of the future.”
“This test has made a cryptographic protection solution for data centre access connections a reality. We are pleased to have been part of a cutting-edge technology project to increase the cybersecurity of the connections that make the data economy possible,” said Javier Montemayor, Chief Operating Officer of Digital Realty in Madrid.
David Knight, Product Line Manager at OFS | Furukawa Solutions said “This collaborative work demonstrates the unique advantages that hollow core fibres offer for distributing quantum keys along with the encrypted data stream. Successfully applying these technologies within a real-world data centre interconnect, proves their potential to enable future secure communications.”
Rafael DeFermin, Senior Vice President of Network Infrastructure Europe at Nokia, said “This was a great opportunity for Nokia and our partners to take quantum-security a step further. Using a defense-in-depth approach, we can help ensure quantum-safe outcomes as data is transported throughout the network. With our 1830-PSI platforms and our 1830 Secure Management Server acting in the role of key management and orchestrator, we were able to deliver high-performance, scalable, quantum-safe optical network connectivity.”
Vanesa Díaz, CEO of LuxQuanta, said “This proof of concept demonstrates that quantum cryptography is no longer just a theoretical concept but a mature reality, a practical solution capable of securing critical optical links that connect data centres to the world. Today, we have showcased the interoperability of our product, NOVA LQ®, by integrating it with our partners’ systems and proving its ability to coexist in the same optical band as data, even over low-latency fibres. This ensures secure and efficient transmission within existing optical networks.”
“Our field-proven and telecom-grade QKD solutions have been built for efficient scaling of quantum-safe networks across large geographies and country borders. We’ve been delighted to be involved in this innovative project and look forward to helping lyntia to provide new quantum-safe services to their customers,” said Grégoire Ribordy, CEO of ID Quantique.
“We’re excited to be working with lyntia to demonstrate these new technologies with real world use cases. It’s important to have new tools like QKD as organizations look to bolster their cybersecurity capabilities, and create resiliency in our infrastructure with a defence in depth approach,” said Michele Mosca, CEO of evolutionQ. “Cybersecurity is a team sport and this initiative builds on our existing partnerships to deliver end-to-end solutions for clients. We’re proud to have our BasejumpQDN platform efficiently connecting all these components together while enabling interoperability and scalability.”
About lyntia Networks
lyntia Networks is the neutral operator of reference in the wholesale telecommunications market, with more than 55,200 km of fibre deployed, offering fibre optic connectivity services, with wide network coverage and great capillarity. In addition, lyntia Networks provides all types of connectivity services: dark fibre, capacity, Internet, co-location, cloud connection, etc.
The lyntia Networks fibre optic network connects the most important cities in the country and provides service to more than 3,200 towns and cities. It also has connections to the main submarine cable mooring points on the Iberian Peninsula.
About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a leader in B2B technology innovation, we pioneer networks that feel, think and act through our work in mobile, fixed and cloud networks. And we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.
Service providers, enterprises and partners around the world rely on Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today, and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.
About OFS | Furukawa Solutions
OFS| Furukawa Solutions is a world-leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of fibre optics, fibre optic cable, connectivity, fibre to the subscriber (FTTx) and specialised fibre optic products. We put our development and manufacturing resources to work creating solutions for applications in areas such as telecommunications, medical, industrial networking, sensing, aerospace, defence and energy. OFS| Furukawa Solutions offers unrivalled leadership in installation, connectivity and hollow core cable solutions.
Headquartered in Norcross (near Atlanta), Georgia, USA, OFS is a global supplier with subsidiaries and manufacturing facilities in several countries around the world. OFS is part of the Furukawa Electric Group, a multi-billion dollar leader in optical communications. Visit www.ofsoptics.com | LinkedIn
About Digital Realty
Digital Realty brings business and data together through end-to-end data centre colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL®, Digital Realty’s global data centre platform, provides customers with a secure meeting space and a proven Pervasive Datacentre Architecture (PDx™) methodology to drive their digitisation and effectively manage the challenges posed by Data Gravity. Digital Realty’s global network of data centres provides access for its clients to interconnected business communities in more than 300 centres in over 50 cities in 25 countries across six continents. For more information, visit DigitalRealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.
About LuxQuanta
LuxQuanta was established as a spin-off from the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) to integrate advanced and secure quantum cryptography technologies into conventional optical communication infrastructures. The company is driven by a deep commitment to delivering state-of-the-art Quantum Key Distribution solutions that are easy to install while meeting the highest security requirements of governmental institutions, financial entities, data centres, and private telecommunication network providers.
In 2023, the company launched its first commercial CV-QKD System, NOVA LQ®, becoming the leading European provider of Continuous Variable QKD technology, which has already been deployed across the European Union and beyond. LuxQuanta is also leading the consortium QUARTER, a European project focused on advancing the maturity of QKD and related technologies for the EuroQCI deployment. The company is determined to shape the future of quantum-secured communications while developing a robust quantum ecosystem in Europe.
www.LuxQuanta.com | LinkedIn | X
Contact: Sergi Vizcaíno, Strategy & Outreach Manager | sergi.vizcaino@luxquanta.com
About ID Quantique
Founded in 2001 ID Quantique is the world leader in quantum-safe crypto solutions, designed to protect data for the future. The company provides quantum-safe network encryption, secure quantum key generation and Quantum Key Distribution solutions and services to the financial industry, enterprises, and government organizations globally. ID Quantique’s quantum random number generator has been validated according to global standards and independent agencies and is the reference in highly regulated and mission-critical industries such as security, encryption, critical infrastructure and IoT – where trust is paramount.
For more information, please visit www.idquantique.com.
About evolutionQ
evolutionQ was co-founded by leading cryptography experts, Dr. Michele Mosca, Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, and Dr. David Jao. With offices in Waterloo, Canada, and Aachen, Germany, evolutionQ delivers robust software that is revolutionizing the field of quantum-safe cryptography. They pioneered Quantum Delivery Network (QDN) technology to ensure quantum-safe key management deployments are secure, seamless, and resilient. For more information about evolutionQ, the Basejump family of products, and to view career opportunities, please visit https://evolutionQ.com.
