Trial combines high-speed optical encryption with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms and quantum key
distribution (QKD) to ensure data confidentiality in the quantum era
HAMMOND, Ind. & HOUSTON & HANOVER, Md.--(
BUSINESS WIRE
)--
Quantum Corridor
,
Ciena
(NYSE: CIEN) and
Toshiba
have completed a successful trial of high-speed quantum-safe networking on Quantum Corridor’s live commercial network
in the Midwest United States. The trial demonstrates how organizations can immediately protect critical in-flight data
with Ciena’s
WaveLogic 6 Extreme
(WL6e) 1.6 Tb/s quantum-safe encryption capabilities, which support a hybrid security approach using NIST-certified
PQC algorithms and seamless interworking with Toshiba’s QKD technology.
The trial comes as governments and enterprises accelerate planning for the post-quantum era. Governments across the
globe are issuing mandates to ensure quantum-readiness to transition information systems to
NIST-approved PQC standards
, reinforcing the urgency for critical infrastructure operators and businesses to begin preparing the migration now.
Conducted across Quantum Corridor’s live production network between data centers in Chicago and Hammond, Ind., the
trial successfully validated 1.6 Tb/s of encrypted connectivity using Ciena’s Waveserver platform powered by WL6e,
alongside existing WaveLogic 5 Extreme (WL5e) 800G encrypted traffic running on the same RLS photonic line system. The
trial also showcased interworking with Toshiba’s QKD servers, which provide quantum-generated keys to both Ciena’s
optical encryption systems.
By supporting both PQC and QKD, the solution gives network operators flexibility in how they mitigate the threat of
quantum computers to today's encryption solutions, particularly from "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks. For
enterprises and service providers, this approach offers a practical migration path to quantum-safe networking without
requiring a wholesale replacement of existing infrastructure.
“Quantum-safe networking is no longer a ‘future’ discussion,” said Ryan Lafler, President & CTO, Quantum Corridor.
“By validating 1.6 Tb/s encrypted connectivity with both PQC and QKD on our live network, we’re demonstrating how we
can help customers transition to a quantum secure solution while continuing to support the bandwidth demands of AI,
cloud, and mission-critical applications.”
Ciena’s Waveserver platform delivers always-on, wire-speed, optical-layer AES-256-GCM encryption and supports
NIST-certified PQC algorithms straight out of the box as part of its quantum-safe encryption solution. The trial also
highlights that customers already deploying Ciena’s WL5e 800G encryption solution can benefit from the same level of
data protection with support for PQC algorithms through a simple software upgrade, helping extend the value of current
network investments.
“The shift to quantum-safe communications is no longer optional for organizations handling sensitive data,” said Dino
DiPerna, Senior Vice President, Global Research and Development, Ciena. “This major milestone highlights how
high-speed optical encryption with PQC and/or QKD interworking can be easily deployed in real-world network
environments to help customers protect critical data today while preparing for the threat of quantum computers.”
"Preparing for the quantum era requires a layered approach to cybersecurity," said Terry Cronin, Vice President,
Toshiba Corporation. "Quantum Key Distribution complements post-quantum cryptography by adding a physical layer of
security that strengthens the protection of critical communications. These complementary technologies can be deployed
together in high-speed optical networks, giving organizations a practical path to quantum-safe communications while
protecting today's most sensitive data."
Quantum Corridor’s network is carrying customer traffic between its various data centers nodes, providing quantum-safe
connectivity with encrypted channels secured via a co-propagating QKD system. The trial underscores how it can migrate
to a NIST-compliant PQC solution and scale capacity and security together as customers adopt bandwidth-intensive
applications and face growing cybersecurity requirements.
Additional Resources
About Quantum Corridor Inc.
Quantum Corridor Inc. was formed by Chicago-area technology innovators to drive technology infrastructure to Indiana
and create an information-sharing platform for institutions such as Chicago Quantum Exchange, defense contractors,
research hubs and universities. It is a member of the Bloch Tech Hub, a coalition of industry, academic, government
and nonprofit stakeholders led by Chicago Quantum Exchange, one of 31 U.S. Regional and Innovation Technology Hubs
designated for quantum technologies. Quantum Corridor Inc. was named a Chicago Quantum Exchange member in April 2024.
Generally targeted to the largest research and education centers and to entities that can use high bandwidth, the
Quantum Corridor network will stretch 263 miles and be the nation's largest quantum computing superhighway. Visit
www.quantumcorridor.com
for more.
About Toshiba International Corporation (TIC)
Toshiba International Corporation, a Toshiba America Inc. Group company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba
Corporation, encompasses diverse range of divisions and business units, including Motors & Adjustable Speed
Drives, Power Electronics, Automotive, Transportation, Digital Solutions, Quantum Key Distribution and Transmission
& Distribution.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, TIC provides application solutions to a wide range of industries including the energy
sector, general industrial, data centers, automotive, medical and more.
About Ciena
Ciena is the global leader in high-speed connectivity. We build the world’s most advanced networks to support
exponential growth in bandwidth demand. By harnessing the power of our networking systems, interconnects, automation
software, and services, Ciena revolutionizes data transmission and network management. With unparalleled expertise and
innovation, we empower our customers, partners, and communities to thrive in the AI era. For updates on Ciena, follow
us on
LinkedIn
or visit the
Ciena website.