ADVA Optical Networking : FSP 3000 powers UK’s first quantum network

'This launch is a genuine milestone for data protection. By working with Toshiba and the Quantum Communications Hub to advance QKD, we're ushering in a new age of robust security. This technology will provide peace of mind to businesses most at risk from cyberattacks both now and in the future. They and their customers can have confidence that their data will be shielded from all threats including data harvesting for future quantum hacking,' commented Jörg-Peter Elbers, SVP, advanced technology, ADVA. 'In recent years, our encryption technology has earned a formidable reputation for protecting service provider and enterprise networks while ensuring highest capacity, lowest latency and maximum scalability. Our ConnectGuard™ suite offers the strongest protection possible at Layers 1, 2, 3 and 4. Using our FSP 3000 to enable QKD protection ensures our technology will remain at the forefront of secure data transport, even in the post-quantum era.'

'Developing quantum cryptography in fiber optic networks has long been a focus for our team. Over the years, we've taken it from PoCs in the lab to real-world demonstrations and we were the first company to achieve a transfer rate of more than 1Mbit/s for quantum communication. Now, through close collaboration with ADVA and the Quantum Communications Hub, we've created a fully operational transport network secured by QKD and ready to carry live data,' said Andrew Shields, assistant managing director, Toshiba Research Europe Limited, Cambridge Research Lab. 'At a time of increasingly frequent and severe cyberattacks, this technology will prove vital to enterprises looking to fortify their data security, particularly those in the financial sector. Not only does it offer a new level of protection against intrusion on fiber optic networks, but it also safeguards against the upcoming threat of hacking in a post-quantum world.'

'The development of the UK Quantum Network has already led to a much greater understanding of the potential of this technology in secure applications in a range of fields, in addition to bringing new insights into the operation of the systems in practice,' commented Ian White, van Eck Professor of Engineering, University of Cambridge. 'I have no doubt that the network will bring much benefit in the future to researchers, developers and users.'