Proof of concept realised between two data centres in Athens delivered QKD-secured connectivity services on an existing network
Sparkle, TIM Group’s international service provider, and Telsy successfully completed a proof of concept (PoC) on a high-capacity link between two data centres in Athens, secured with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Telsy runs a centre of excellence for security and cybersecurity. QTI Quantum Telecommunications Italy, a leading provider of QKD also participated in the PoC.
QKD is one of the most promising solutions to offer additional security to existing communication infrastructures through applying quantum mechanics. QKD is claimed to offer “unconditional security against both classical cyber threats and possible future interceptions by quantum computers,” by the partners.
The PoC consisted of a quantum-secure videoconference through Telsy’s Antares platform, on a high-capacity link between two of Sparkle’s data centres in Athens. It delivered QKD secured connectivity services on an existing operator network, highlighting the potential to replicate the solution, plus its efficiency and flexibility.
The QKD link was implemented on the same fibre pair used for ordinary communications without additional, dedicated fibre infrastructure or architectural changes TO Sparkle’s metropolitan fibre network in Athens. Ribbon Communications’ Apollo optical system allowed clients’ traffic to be encrypted and transported over a 400G link.
This PoC follows two successful trials carried out by Sparkle on Post Quantum Cryptography – one on an International VPN between Italy and Germany and one on Internet access service in Athens. It confirms Sparkle’s pioneering role in this area and strong commitment to elevating the security and resilience of its infrastructure even before the advent of quantum computers.
The commercial launch of Sparkle’s Quantum-Safe Internet is planned for later this year and will be progressively followed by other security services.
“With this PoC on Quantum Key Distribution we take another step forward in protecting our network against the potential threat of quantum decryption”, said Antonella Sanguineti, head of marketing and product management for networking, cloud, security and identity solutions at Sparkle.
“The various experiments we have conducted, in collaboration with the most experienced companies in the field and within the framework of European and international projects, reinforce our determination to continue along this path in order to offer our customers maximum protection.”
“The implementation highlighted the definitive shift of QKD technology from the lab to the market, providing an efficient, cost-effective and easily deployable real-world use case”, said Pierangela Pitzolu, director of International Government Business Development at Telsy.
“With Quantum Key Distribution we now have a tool for upgrading our telecom networks to achieve unconditional and future-proof security. This implementation is a valuable use case which is showcasing the potentiality of the technology to be adopted widely”, declared Tommaso Occhipinti, CEO of QTI.