1. Future proofing network encryption technology (and securing critical infrastructure data) with continuous-variable quantum key distribution
- Author
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Jain, Nitin, Chin, Hou-Man, Null, Dev, Hajomer, Adnan A. E., Larfort, Henrik, Nysom, Naja Lautrup, Bidstrup, Erik, Andersen, Ulrik L., and Gehring, Tobias
- Subjects
Quantum Physics - Abstract
We demonstrate the establishment of quantum-secure data transfer links at two locations in Denmark: on the campus of Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Lyngby and between two power grid nodes owned and operated by Energinet in Odense. Four different channels were investigated, one being a purely underground fiber and the other three being combinations of underground fibers and optical ground wires (OPGWs). Coherent `quantum' states at 1550 nm, prepared and measured using a semi-autonomous continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) prototype, were multiplexed in wavelength with `classical' 100G encrypted data traffic from a pair of commercial layer-2 network encryption devices operating at around 1300 nm. At DTU, we estimate average secret key rates in the asymptotic limit of $1.12$ Mbps (channel loss of 5.5 dB at 1550 nm) while at Energinet, the figures corresponding to the three channels (with losses of 4.1, 6.7, and 8.9 dB) are $2.05$, $0.90$, and $0.23$ Mbps, respectively. The demonstration showcases that QKD can serve as an additional layer to protect sensitive network traffic propagating on insecure channels., Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures
- Published
- 2024