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arXiv:2312.04203 · IET Quantum Communication

In‐field comparison between G.652 and G.655 optical fibres for polarisation‐based quantum key distribution

Costantino Agnesi, Massimo Giacomin, Daniele Sartorato, Silvia Artuso, Giuseppe Vallone, Paolo Villoresi

Published May 3, 2024• 7 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Abstract Integration of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in existing telecommunication infrastructure is crucial for the widespread adoption of this quantum technology that offers the distillation of unconditionally secure keys between users. The authors report a field trial between the Points of Presence placed in Treviso and in Venezia—Mestre, Italy, exploiting the QuKy commercial polarisation‐based QKD platforms developed by ThinkQuantum S.r.l. and two different standards of single‐mode optical fibres, that is, G . 652 and G . 655 as a quantum channel. In this field trial, several configurations were tested, including the co‐existence of classical and quantum signals over the same fibre, providing a direct comparison between the performances of the G.652 and G.655 fibre standards for QKD applications.

DOI
10.1049/qtc2.12095

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Abstract Integration of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in existing telecommunication infrastructure is crucial for the widespread adoption of this quantum technology that offers the distillation of unconditionally secure keys between users. The authors report a field trial between the Points of Presence placed in Treviso and in Venezia—Mestre, Italy, exploiting the QuKy commercial polarisation‐based QKD platforms developed by ThinkQuantum S.r.l. and two different standards of single‐mode optical fibres, that is, G . 652 and G . 655 as a quantum channel. In this field trial, several configurations were tested, including the co‐existence of classical and quantum signals over the same fibre, providing a direct comparison between the performances of the G.652 and G.655 fibre standards for QKD applications.
In-field demonstrations in real-world scenarios boost the development of quantum key distribution (QKD) towards its integration in existing infrastructures. Although QKD devices are already adopted outside the laboratories, current field implementations still suffer from high costs and low performances, preventing this technology from a large-scale deployment in telecommunication networks. Here, we present the developing of a cost-effective setup for QKD field trials, implemented for testing QKD performances in two different scenarios: (i) using an installed fiber link the metropolitan area of Florence (Italy); (ii) using a submarine optical fiber channel between Malta and Sicily.
In-field demonstrations in real-world scenarios boost the development of a rising technology towards its integration in existing infrastructures. Although quantum key distribution (QKD) devices are already adopted outside the laboratories, current field implementations still suffer from high costs and low performances, preventing this emerging technology from a large-scale deployment in telecommunication networks. Here we present a simple, practical and efficient QKD scheme with finite-key analysis, performed over a 21 dB-losses fiber link installed in the metropolitan area of Florence (Italy). Coexistence of quantum and weak classical communication is also demonstrated by transmitting an optical synchronization signal through the same fiber link.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) offers unconditional information security by allowing two distant users to establish a common encryption key resilient to hacking. Resultingly, QKD networks interconnecting critical infrastructure and enabling the secure exchange of classified information, can provide a solution to the increasing number of successful cyberattacks. To efficiently deploy quantum networks, the technology must be integrated over existing communication infrastructure, such as optical fibre links. Yet, QKD poses stringent requirements on the conditions of the network over which it is deployed. This work demonstrates the first quantum communication network in Cyprus via the deployment of a multi-node quantum network, exploiting existing commercial underground optical fibre. The network employs bidirectional occupation of fibres and wavelength multiplexing in a ring architecture to achieve, with minimal use of dark fibres, high-rate QKD. Results obtained reveal consistent key generation rates across all nodes, confirming reliable operation in a real-world environment. This deployment highlights the feasibility of leveraging existing telecom infrastructure for quantum-secured communication, marking a significant step toward scalable and cost-effective quantum networks suited for critical applications.
Abstract In-field demonstrations in real-world scenarios boost the development of a rising technology towards its integration in existing infrastructures. Although quantum key distribution (QKD) devices are already adopted outside the laboratories, current field implementations still suffer from high costs and low performances, preventing this emerging technology from a large-scale deployment in telecommunication networks. Here we present a simple, practical and efficient QKD scheme with finite-key analysis, performed over a 21 dB-losses fiber link installed in the metropolitan area of Florence (Italy). Coexistence of quantum and weak classical communication is also demonstrated by transmitting an optical synchronization signal through the same fiber link.
Field trials are of key importance for novel technologies seeking commercialization and widespread adoption. This is also the case for quantum key distribution (QKD), which allows distant parties to distill a secret key with unconditional security. Typically, QKD demonstrations over urban infrastructures require complex stabilization and synchronization systems to maintain a low quantum bit error and high secret key rates over time. Here we present a field trial that exploits low-complexity self-stabilized hardware and a novel synchronization technique, to perform QKD over optical fibers deployed in the city center of Padua, Italy. Two techniques recently introduced by our research group are evaluated in a real-world environment: the iPOGNAC polarization encoder was used for preparation of the quantum states, while temporal synchronization was performed with the Qubit4Sync algorithm. The results here presented demonstrate the validity and robustness of our resource-effective QKD system, which can be easily and rapidly installed in an existing telecommunication infrastructure, thus representing an important step towards mature, efficient, and low-cost QKD systems.
In the evolving landscape of quantum technology, the increasing prominence of quantum computing poses a significant threat to the security of conventional public key infrastructure. Quantum key distribution (QKD), an established quantum technology at a high readiness level, emerges as a viable solution with commercial adoption potential. QKD facilitates the establishment of secure symmetric random bit strings between two geographically separated, trustworthy entities, safeguarding communications from potential eavesdropping. In particular, data centre interconnects can leverage the potential of QKD devices to ensure the secure transmission of critical and sensitive information in preserving the confidentiality, security, and integrity of their stored data. In this article, we present the successful implementation of a QKD field trial within a commercial data centre environment that utilises the existing fibre network infrastructure. The achieved average secret key rate of 2.392 kbps and an average quantum bit error rate of less than 2% demonstrate the commercial feasibility of QKD in real-world scenarios. As a use case study, we demonstrate the secure transfer of files between two data centres through the Quantum-Secured Virtual Private Network, utilising secret keys generated by the QKD devices. %This demonstration marks a significant milestone in the deployment of QKD across Singapore, establishing a foundation for widespread adoption and enhancing the infrastructure for practical, quantum-safe communication in commercial environments.