Project shows modular, high-performance CV-QKD encryption
Adva Network Security has announced the successful completion of DE-QOR, a German collaborative research project that addresses the cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computing by developing a high-performance continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) encryption system.
Funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the three-year CV-QKD initiative was led by Adva Network Security and brought together experts from Leibniz University Hannover, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), alongside industry partners Microwave Photonics and Creonic.
The project focused on developing innovative components and subsystems while demonstrating a next-generation CV-QKD system for seamless integration with commercial telecommunications networks. By adopting a modular, open architecture, DE-QOR has contributed to creating a cost-effective, scalable, and certifiable approach to quantum-safe encryption.
“The DE-QOR project marks a significant milestone in the development of quantum-safe encryption,” said Tobias Fehenberger, project coordinator of DE-QOR and director of R&D at Adva Network Security. “By validating a modular, high-performance CV-QKD system, this initiative proves that quantum security can be practically deployed using commercial components and an open architecture. This approach streamlines deployments while reducing costs, making quantum-safe encryption more accessible. By promoting collaboration between research institutions and industry leaders, DE-QOR has laid the groundwork for the widespread adoption of scalable, quantum-secure communication technology.”
The DE-QOR project proved the feasibility of open, disaggregated CV-QKD by combining technology and expertise from academic and industrial project partners. The final trials incorporated Adva Network Security’s ConnectGuard™ encryption offering, leveraging quantum-generated keys for real-time secure data transmission over a deployed fibre infrastructure. FPGA-based real-time digital signal processing ensured high performance and efficiency while maintaining flexibility for future upgrades. The project demonstrated that modular QKD can support scalable and cost-effective security using commercial off-the-shelf technology and standardised interfaces.
The project’s final demonstration at LMU on March 27 showcased the CV-QKD system’s real-world performance and seamless integration with commercial telecommunications networks, providing a strong foundation for future certification and mass deployment.
“By designing an open, modular solution, we’ve demonstrated that quantum-safe encryption can be both scalable and cost-effective,” commented Michael Roth, GM of Adva Network Security. “Our approach leverages commercial off-the-shelf technology and open interfaces, ensuring interoperability with existing telecommunications networks. This simplifies certification and enables more flexible deployment across various environments. Unlike proprietary, closed QKD implementations, our disaggregated model allows continuous innovation and optimisation. Each module has been rigorously tested to deliver outstanding performance, and together, they form a highly secure foundation for future communication networks. By proving the viability of this approach, DE-QOR is strengthening the European and German industry’s leadership in quantum security and paving the way for the widespread adoption of practical, next-generation encryption.”
Image: Adva Network Security’s ConnectGuard™ encryption solution played a key role in the DE-QOR project.
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