November 19, 2024 -- Q*Bird is excited to share their recent achievement in securing quantum communications. Q*Bird, in collaboration with SURF and Quantum Delta NL, has successfully installed a multi-user, multipoint-to-multipoint Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network in Utrecht. This achievement sets a new benchmark for secure communications, addressing the critical need for advanced data protection in the research and education sector.

What is QKD?

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a cutting-edge method of securing information using quantum particles, or qubits, to create encryption keys. These keys are inherently secure because any attempt to intercept them leaves a detectable trace, alerting the network to potential breaches. This makes QKD one of the most effective tools for protecting sensitive information.

At the heart of the QKD network lies a centralized hub that connects quantum links between various nodes. Importantly, this hub is designed to be intrinsically secure on its own, meaning it cannot learn anything about the encryption keys. Due to quantum entanglement, no sensitive information is ever present at the Hub. The QKD technology ensures the keys stay protected, even if the hub is compromised. Delivering a unique combination of security and efficiency.

How the QKD Network Works

SURF is beginning its journey towards a quantum Internet by deploying a quantum key distribution testbed network. The QKD network, now operational in Utrecht, connects three key locations: a data center, a university building, and SURF headquarters. The network uses quantum links to transmit qubits over fiber distances of 1.9, 7.1, and 11 kilometers to a centralized hub. This hub-and-spoke design allows all communication to route through the hub, simplifying scalability and making it easier to expand.

The Centralized Hub: A Secure and Scalable Solution

The centralized hub is the cornerstone of this QKD network. It enables secure communication between nodes by linking quantum connections across the network. The hub leverages both QKD technological and optical routing technology to facilitate the distribution of encryption keys, all while ensuring its own security.

This innovative design offers a scalable, secure, and efficient solution for multi-point communications, laying the groundwork for a quantum-secure future.

Toward a Quantum-Safe Europe

This project is part of the European Quantum Communications Infrastructure (EuroQCI) program, a European effort to establish secure quantum networks.

As the capabilities of quantum computing grow, traditional encryption methods are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Q*Bird’s QKD network provides a proactive solution, ensuring secure communications in the face of these emerging challenges.

By driving advancements in quantum-secure networking, Q*Bird, in collaboration with SURF and Quantum Delta NL, takes a significant step toward a quantum-secure future, building resilient communication networks prepared to thrive in the quantum era, as a fundament for the future Digital Infrastructure of the Netherlands. SURF is proud to announce the deployment of this Quantum Key Distribution testbed network, specially designed for our members to experiment with.