Quantum cryptography is a technology that allows the distribution of encryption keys within optical links and exploits the laws of quantum physics to ensure their security. According to Nicolas Gisin of the University of Geneva, “It is the only technology that guarantees long-term data secrecy.”
The three links of the quantum cryptography network distribute the main encryption keys from any of its three nodes. These keys are used for services such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet encryption to secure communications between CERN and the University of Geneva, as well as Fibre Channel and IPsec encryption. Gérald Litzistorf of the University of Applied Sciences West Switzerland commented, “The SwissQuantum network is the most widely deployed quantum network to date. I have been truly impressed by the fact that this technology does not require any special capabilities beyond the standard network engineering that will be used.”
The network was developed in April 2009 and has been in use for over six months, recently surpassing 12,000 operational hours. “Thanks to this project, we have clearly demonstrated that this technology is mature, reliable, and ready for deployment,” explained Gregoire Ribordy, CEO of id Quantique. The network's operation was demonstrated throughout the week-long ITU Telecom World exhibition in Geneva, and its performance was presented at the conference on October 8.