by Amara Graps
Quantum communication may not be making as much noise as quantum computing, but it’s a field that demands attention. In a recent series of expert presentations on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) at the International Working Group for Quantum Security, Cyber-Security, and Defense Industries, the progress of European quantum network testbeds took the spotlight, particularly the ones associated with the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI).
EuroQCI is on a mission to build a quantum communication network that will connect the EU and its global territories, with far-reaching benefits. This infrastructure aims to foster collaboration among EU Member States, enhance the EU’s scientific and technological capabilities, boost the competitiveness of quantum technologies and industry, and strengthen the cybersecurity of the EU. With all 27 EU member states committed to working with the European Commission and the European Space Agency on EuroQCI, it signifies a significant milestone in creating the upcoming EU space-based secure communication system, IRIS. To learn more about the early steps taken, check out the insightful February 2023 report on Deploying an Inter-European Quantum Network by Ribezzo et al.
One recent project article from a consortium member of EuroQCI, titled Farrugia et al., 2024, sheds light on the European QUantum ecOsystems (EQUO) project, serving as a vital link between various European telco industry members within the EuroQCI framework. EQUO, falling under the EuroQCI industrial umbrella, is focused on preparing for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) integration, starting with QKD standardization.
Monitoring the progress of EuroQCI can be challenging due to the multitude of involved entities. Each EU country has a “National QCI” overseeing implementation, making it a time-intensive process to gather status updates. However, a recent two-day event in Crete, Greece, called “Quantum Key Distribution & Cyber Security,” facilitated by the Greek HellasQCI component of the EuroQCI consortium, provided valuable insights into the current landscape. The event featured educational talks that contextualize the quantum technology field’s history and present state.
The keynote speech by Hannes Huebel from AIT at the event, elaborating on the EuroQCI project’s status, is a must-watch. It reveals that EuroQCI is in the initial stages of the preparatory and deployment phase. Additionally, panels with national infrastructure members offered country-specific progress updates.
Discussing the vision of the Quantum Internet, the Global Quantum Internet (GQI) emphasizes the integration of quantum key distribution (QKD) with post-quantum cryptography, seeing them as complementary components in a holistic cryptographic stack.
Math-based and physics-based components are not a dichotomy. They provide components that can be combined into an end-to-end cryptographic stack.
(* ‘Safe’ refers to the security aspects of the current-future Quantum Internet, synonymous with Quantum Communication, for now. The Quantum Safe/Communications Presentation and the Quantum Safe Outlook Report provide crucial insights into future digital infrastructure security.)
If you wish to delve deeper into this fascinating topic, feel free to reach out to info@global-qi.com.
September 19, 2024