Written by Ray Le Maistre
- Network operators are preparing their networks for the quantum computing era
- They need to ensure their networks are protected from quantum computing-enabled hacking
- Orange has tested a quantum key distribution (QKD) system from Adtran in its labs
With an eye on the quantum computing future, Orange has tested a next-generation network security solution from Adtran that has quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum-safe encryption technology at its heart.
While quantum computing is still in the early stages of commercial development, it won’t be too many years before the powerful machines are also being exploited by bad actors, and network operators know they need quantum-secure networks.
A number of major operators have already taken important first steps on their quantum-secure networking journey, including BT and Vodafone – see BT boasts quantum security breakthrough with Toshiba, EY and Vodafone touts advances in quantum-safe networking.
In addition, the GSMA has established the Post-Quantum Telco Network Taskforce to determine a joint approach to what is a significant challenge – see GSMA, IBM and Vodafone Establish Post-Quantum Telco Network Taskforce.
Now Orange has teamed up with Adtan to figure out the best way to secure its networks in the future. In its test labs, the telco worked with Adtran, Adva (now part of the Adtran empire) and Toshiba to set up a quantum key distribution (QKD)-secured 100 Gbit/s data stream on a coherent 400 Gbit/s DP-16QAM channel running across a 184km standard single-mode fibre (SSMF) with three QKD links and two trusted nodes. The set up featured Adtran’s open dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM) FSP 3000 optical system, Adva Network Security quantum-safe encryption and QKD technology from Toshiba.
