Mar 27 2019
UKQNtel, the first-ever commercial-grade quantum test network in the world, was launched on March 26th, 2019. This is a collaborative effort between industry and research, and a landmark in the advancement toward the development of secure quantum communications for the United Kingdom.
A critical infrastructure essential for all industries is communication. Since data is the most priceless asset, it is necessary to ensure its integrity and security. Quantum technologies have the capability to allow industries—such as defense, banking, logistics, and healthcare—to send sensitive and critical information in a considerably more secure manner.
The quantum-secured, high-speed link launched recently extends from BT’s Adastral Park research campus, near Ipswich in the East of England, to Cambridge. It will allow testing as well as demonstration of innovative quantum technologies, like the Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which are believed to have a crucial role in future communications systems across the globe.
Apart from connecting the research facilities of the BT Labs and the University of Cambridge, the link also connects the high-tech industry clusters at each end: the Cambridge Science Park and Innovation Martlesham near Ipswich. The link is part of the UK Quantum Network (UKQN) being constructed by the Quantum Communications Hub, part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme.
Quantum communication protocols have been demonstrated to be unequivocally secure in theory; however, in practice, real systems may be vulnerable in many ways, which must be identified and annulled, making security testing crucially essential.
NPL has been partnering with various industry partners to test and describe new quantum communications hardware under development. For the new UKQNtel link, the University of York and NPL are collaborating with the University of Cambridge, BT, ADVA, and IDQ to develop the measurements required to evaluate the security of its distributed QKD keys.
The BT Labs at Adastral Park have played a central role in the development of the fibre optic networks that we now take for granted as the backbone of global communications. We’re proud to be at the forefront of the next generation of network design, helping the UK take the lead in the development of ultra-secure quantum networks, and keeping our customers’ data safe in years to come.
Tim Whitley, MD of Research, BT
This new network represents a major step forward for the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme, providing a direct link between research and industry, and an opportunity to develop new applications and services.
Tim Spiller, Director, Quantum Communications Hub
NPL and the Quantum Communications Hub have established an excellent collaboration with hub staff and students working within our team. We are very pleased to be able to add our test and measurement capability for QKD systems into the UKNtel programme. Working with industrial, academic and government partners, we hope to help establish the real potential of quantum communications for future security applications.
Dr Peter Thompson, CEO, National Physical Laboratory