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Cambridge quantum network

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Dynes, J. F. 
Wonfor, A. 
Tam, W. W. -S. 
Takahashi, R. 

Abstract

Abstract: Future-proofing current fibre networks with quantum key distribution (QKD) is an attractive approach to combat the ever growing breaches of data theft. To succeed, this approach must offer broadband transport of quantum keys, efficient quantum key delivery and seamless user interaction, all within the existing fibre network. However, quantum networks to date either require dark fibres and/or offer bit rates inadequate for serving a large number of users. Here we report a city wide high-speed metropolitan QKD network—the Cambridge quantum network—operating on fibres already populated with high-bandwidth data traffic. We implement a robust key delivery layer to demonstrate essential network operation, as well as enabling encryption of 100 Gigabit per second (Gbps) simultaneous data traffic with rapidly refreshed quantum keys. Network resilience against link disruption is supported by high-QKD link rates and network link redundancy. We reveal that such a metropolitan network can support tens of thousands of users with key rates in excess of 1 kilobit per second (kbps) per user. Our result hence demonstrates a clear path for implementing quantum security in metropolitan fibre networks.

Description

Keywords

Article, /639/766/483/481, /639/166/987, /639/624/1075/187, article

Journal Title

npj Quantum Information

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2056-6387

Volume Title

5

Publisher

Nature Publishing Group UK
Sponsorship
RCUK | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) (EP/M013472/1)
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