November 19, 2024 -- Aegiq announced that it is leading the Quantum Link Assurance System (QLAS) project with support from BT Group and OpenLightComm. Contracted by Innovate UK’s Small Business Research Initiative scheme, Aegiq will develop a prototype solution for operators of fibre links to enable the improvement of operational security and quality of service assurance.

Increasing network complexity, ageing infrastructure and emergent advanced threats pose challenges to existing assurance solutions. Using quantum-enhanced techniques, QLAS is a versatile tool, which can be deployed on both classical and quantum secure network links (such as QKD) to ensure the integrity of communications, provide independent link monitoring, and alert to a wide range of malicious or accidental anomalies, such as tapping or ‘hands in the network’. The solution will follow a Software Defined Networking (SDN) approach and will seamlessly integrate into operations on any scale.

QLAS offers a unique combination of quantum-level sensitivity, ‘invisible’ operation in standard communication band and advanced analytics, surpassing existing capabilities and unlocking the bridge between classical and quantum system monitoring.

Maksym Sich, CEO, Aegiq said “At Aegiq our aim is to deliver the disruptive potential of quantum technologies. It requires comprehensive end-user solutions designed for ease of use. QLAS marks a big advancement towards building a quantum-safe future of communications in the UK and globally.”

Andrew Lord, Senior Manager of Optics and Quantum Research, BT Group said: “QLAS is an important technology in helping to assure the physical links used in quantum networks as well as regular optical systems and we look forward to trialling the prototype. As we continue to innovate around network technology, emerging solutions like this will be critical to accelerating the commercial operation of the next generation security on fibre networks.”