Telefónica, Huawei and UPM have performed a field trial, demonstrating the application of quantum cryptography on commercial optical networks.
The field trial relies on a novel “Continuous Variables” (CV) QKD(Quantum Key Distribution) technology. A particular feature of the tested devices is that they are flexible, software-controlled ones. The systems are optimally adapted to a seamless integration in the dynamical environment of SDN and NFV networks, where the creation and modification of the optical fiber paths and required encryption, follows commands received over software-based control interfaces.
The field trial employs the optical infrastructure provided by Telefónica Spain, connecting three different sites within the Madrid metropolitan area where software-controlled CV-QKD devices, developed by the Huawei Research Lab in Munich in collaboration with UPM are installed, together with SDN-based management modules developed by Telefónica’s.
This technique, known as QKD, not only provides protection against the threat posed by quantum computation to current cryptographic algorithms, but it can also provide a much higher security level for any exchange of data. However, QKD requires a high-quality optical fiber physical infrastructure, and Telefónica is very well positioned to provide services based on this technology, said Telefonica.
Diego R. Lopez, Head of Technology Exploration & Standards, Telefonica's Global CTIO Unit
We have been working to develop a field trial that demonstrates the provision of secure communication services based on QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) using a commercial SDN-managed optical network infrastructure.
Maria Antonia Crespo, Director of Transport and IP Connectivity, Telefonica Spain
Telefónica Spain’s optical network, in combination with our high-capacity photonic transmission systems, offer the required performance to provide secure channels based on quantum communication. This enhanced security is a key enabler for next generation networks, flexible, virtualized and software-defined.
