QuNET + ISQKMS

Quantum-Secure Communication Across System Boundaries

Research project for an interoperable key management system capable of providing quantum-secure keys in a flexible, secure, and vendor-agnostic manner

    Making Quantum Technology Widely Accessible

    The QuNET initiative is developing highly secure communication systems based on modern quantum technology. It is laying important groundwork for secure and robust IT networks designed to withstand future cyber threats. Participants include the Fraunhofer Society and the Max Planck Society, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg.

    The background: Attackers can already store encrypted data today in order to decrypt it later using more powerful methods or quantum computers. This “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” scenario is particularly critical for information that must remain confidential for many years, such as in government agencies, critical infrastructure, research, or industry.

    Our subproject QuNET+ISQKMS

    In the QuNET+ISQKMS subproject, we are collaborating with partners to develop an interoperable, secure quantum key management system. This is based on QKD systems that generate quantum-secure keys. The key management system then ensures that these keys can be securely managed, distributed, and used by encryption systems.

    In this context, “interoperable” means that components and key management systems from different manufacturers must work together securely. This is crucial so that individual solutions can later be combined to form flexible, scalable quantum communication networks.

    Qunet
    BMBF
    icon10

    Why is this important?

    Future quantum communication infrastructures will consist of various technologies, networks, and vendor solutions. Without common interfaces and coordinated security architectures, there is a risk of siloed solutions. QuNET+ISQKMS is therefore investigating how quantum-secure keys can be reliably provided and used across system and network boundaries.

    icon19

    The Benefits

    This research will help companies and government agencies more easily integrate quantum-secure encryption into their existing network and security solutions in the future. When systems from different vendors work together more effectively, technological dependencies are reduced. At the same time, organizations gain greater freedom of choice and can more easily build larger quantum communication networks.

    teaser key

    Our Contribution: Practical Knowledge for Quantum-Secure Networks

    We bring our experience in secure communication networks, encryption, and customer projects to this research project. The central question is how the technology can be operated robustly, securely, and as simply as possible in the future. Together with our project partners, we are focusing in particular on the following topics and tasks:

    • Security architectures for practical use
    • Interfaces between key management systems, QKD networks, and encryption technology
    • Interoperability between solutions from different vendors
    • Integration into existing network and security landscapes
    • Requirements for operation, implementation, and ease of use
    • Interoperability, integration, and functional tests in the dacoso testbed in Langen

    A Successful Milestone for Interoperable QKD Networks

    During a project meeting at dacoso’s headquarters in Langen, it was successfully demonstrated that the key management systems (KMS) from Adva Network Security, evolutionQ, and KEEQuant can work together interoperably and jointly provide quantum-secure keys.

    To achieve this, three independent QKD networks were interconnected. Specifically, the following was accomplished:

    • the cross-network transfer of keys via gateway nodes
    • the planning and reservation of key paths via central controllers
    • the encryption of data traffic using the provided keys in ADTRAN FSP 3000 DWDM systems
    • the generation of real QKD keys using components from ID Quantique

    The results demonstrate how quantum-secure keys can be provided and used across network boundaries in the future. Participants from dacoso included Dr. Thomas Lebeth, Jan Müsebeck, and Marc Könn.

    QuNet

    Working Together Toward Quantum-Secure Communication

    QuNET+ISQKMS combines technical research with the requirements of real-world networks . Many of the questions being investigated will shape the communication networks of tomorrow. If you’d like to learn more about the project, its goals, and the participating partners, you can find further information here:

    Talk to our QuNET + ISQKMS experts now