The launch of the "University Quantum Network" took place at the Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov

2021: Launch of the "University Quantum Network"

On December 16, 2021, InfoTeCS announced that the University Quantum Network (UKS), a project to build a quantum secure communication system, was solemnly launched at Lomonosov Moscow State University.

According to the company, UKS is the first communication network in Russia, built on the basis of a quantum cryptographic system for generating and distributing keys ViPNet QSS, a joint development of InfoTeCS and the NTI Competence Center - Center for Quantum Technologies of the Physics Department of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov.

Launch of the "University Quantum Network"

The network connected five quantum devices installed on the territory of Moscow State University on the Leninsky Mountains, Mokhovaya Street, as well as at the head office of InfoTeCS in Otradnoye, distributing quantum keys to twenty subscriber terminals. At the same time, the maximum length of the quantum-secure communication channel within the framework of the project reached 40 km.

ViPNet QSS is a quantum cryptographic system that performs a quantum key distribution (KPC) protocol that works in the star topology and is designed to generate and distribute quantum keys into cryptographic information protection tools (CIPF).

CRK technology solves an important cryptographic problem - trusted delivery of encryption keys to CIPF without human participation. A feature of its use is that it provides complete secrecy of the generated encryption keys. The possibility of their compromise by a potential attacker is excluded, since any attempt to measure the transmitted quantum states leads to their distortion, which cannot go unnoticed.

The peculiarity of the UKS project is that scientific research based on fundamental knowledge of quantum physics is embodied in an existing commercial product, which will be put into commercial operation in the near future. As of December 2021, the equipment of the ViPNet QSS system is being certified by the FSB of Russia.

When creating the University Quantum Network, the possibility of joining other participants was provided, which in the future will allow the expert community to unite to use the capabilities of quantum key distribution technology to the full extent.

University Quantum Network

Work on the creation of a quantum-protected segment at Moscow State University began in December 2020.

The first stage of the project was completed in August 2021. It included connecting all facilities and checking the correctness of the equipment when exchanging information over a secure communication channel.

The next stage was the configuration of quantum equipment and the integration of the university segment of the network with the network of InfoTeCS.

At the end of September 2021, the quantum-protected network was put into trial operation to carry out all the necessary tests.

In December 2021, the solemn launch of the University Quantum Network took place.

Thanks to close and fruitful cooperation with the Physics Department of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, we managed to realize the task - to create existing equipment based on scientific research and development. Quantum developments can become the foundation of Russia's information security system. emphasized Andrey Chapchaev, CEO of InfoTeCS

In 2018, the Center for Quantum Technologies was created, leading research and development in all areas of this subject area. Quantum communications, as an integral element of quantum technologies, are traditionally given special attention. We invite our colleagues from other universities and scientific organizations to join this project. stated Viktor Sadovnichy, rector of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov

Quantum communications is a very young industry for 2021, and it is developing at a rapid pace. Of particular importance here are both scientific research and practical developments based on these studies. We are very happy to demonstrate a clear example of the joint work of scientists engaged in fundamental science and a commercial developer company in the field of information security. said Sergei Kulik, scientific director of the Center for Quantum Technologies, Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University