UK Quantum Network

2019: Start of network

At the end of March, 2019 in Britain the first-ever commercial quantum network was started. The safe network will apply quantum distribution of keys (QKD): for protection of the encoded messages the principles of a quantum mechanics, but not difficult mathematical calculations are used.

The new network stretches from Ipswich to Cambridge and treats the UK Quantum Network project supported by the National program of quantum technologies of Great Britain. The network was built by partners of Quantum Communications Hub and BT and also the universities of Cambridge and York. Development was also supported by ID Quantique and ADVA which supplied the QKD systems and other equipment and also provided integration of network.

The first-ever commercial quantum network earned

The channel directly connects to quantum protection not only the research centers BT Labs and the Cambridge university, but also hi-tech industrial clusters – the Cambridge scientific park and Innovation Martlesham near Ipswich. Such communication opens doors for a huge number of projects on safe data transmission within quantum networks which can be used by the industry.

Originally check of new network will be devoted to testing of the COW protocol which roughly codes cryptographic key on one photon. As any attempt to read photons changes their coding, it allows to guarantee security of each key on other end of the line. New high-speed connection will allow to test and show quantum technologies, including their use for protection of important and confidential data in health care, banking, defense and logistics.

Meanwhile the range which is limited by several hundred kilometers of optical fiber remains one of the main problems of QKD. It is connected with the fact that the photons bearing information can dissipate and, thus, be lost in fiber that reduces the speed of formation of secret keys.^[1]

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