QKD Systems
Long-Distance QKD System LD
Ultimate QKD performance over long distances
Quantum computing is threatening to render public key encryption techniques insecure, with data in transit particularly vulnerable to attack. QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) provides the answer, enabling quantum-safe cryptography across fibre networks.
Development of long-distance QKD technology has been a significant challenge for manufacturers, as the quantum signal decreases in strength exponentially as fibre length increases.
The LD system overcomes this challenge. It uses Toshiba’s unique, patented technology to ensure exceptionally high secure key rates over distances of 150 km or more. Deployed using a dedicated QKD fibre, the LD system also offers simple setup, auto alignment and real-time optimisation.
This combination supports a greater number of demanding use cases and reduces CAPEX, as fewer QKD systems are required to provide quantum security over long-range connections. It also reduces business risk by offering sufficient capacity to support future network demands, and even enables older, degraded fibre to become quantum-safe.
It's high-performance quantum security for the long haul.
Highlights
Features & Benefits
Long-distance, quantum-safe communication
Toshiba’s LD QKD system not only delivers high secure key rates – it’s able to transmit them further than competitors (150 km+). Using high-performance C-band technology with a superior optical loss budget (30 dB), LD overcomes the traditional problem of quantum signals weakening over longer fibres, ensuring long-range quantum-safe networking while optimising CAPEX.
Ultimate security
All Toshiba QKD systems use an efficient implementation of BB84, the first and most rigorously studied QKD protocol, proven secure through years of research. The BB84 protocol provides inherent protection from quantum computers and any future advances in mathematics.
Incredibly Stable. Incredibly Reliable.
At Toshiba, we’ve pioneered active stabilisation technology that allows our QKD systems to distribute key material continuously, in challenging operating conditions, without any user intervention. This avoids the need for recalibration of the system due to temperature-induced changes in the fibre lengths.
The reliability and stability of our QKD systems has been demonstrated in numerous deployments. In fact, at a theoretical level, the probability of key failure using our technology is < 1 x 10-10 – equivalent to less than once every 30,000 years.
Performance at the speed you need
Built for the most demanding network environments, Toshiba QKD systems offer class-leading secure key rates. The LD system is proven to deliver 300 kb/s secure key rates at 10 dB channel loss, making it capable of supporting a diverse range of customers and applications, and providing headroom for future demands.
Simple setup…
Toshiba’s Long Distance QKD System offers remarkably simple installation and setup. Once positioned in a standard 19″ rack mount, the QKD hardware offers automated start-up and real-time optimisation, thanks to active stabilisation technology.
…and easy operation
A user-friendly interface, accessed through a web-browser, provides real-time and historical performance data.
Key management & delivery system
Toshiba’s REST-based Key Management System provides efficient and reliable key storage and delivery. It uses ETSI industry standards, so it’s compatible with leading encryptor vendors and other applications.
Specifications
- Key Exchange Protocol
- Toshiba T12 protocol (efficient BB84 protocol with decoy states and phase encoding)
- Quantum Wavelength
- 1550 nm (C-band)
- Fibre requirement
- Two fibres required
- Multiplexing Compatibility
- Limited bandwidth multiplexing supported
- Secure Key Rate
- 300 kb/s at 10 dB channel loss
- Maximum loss (ideal SM fibre)
- 30 dB specified loss budget
- Maximum Range (ideal SM fibre)
- 150 km+
- Detection Technology
- Proprietary self-differencing semiconductor detectors
- Security Parameter
- Key failure probability < 1 x 10-10, corresponding to less than once in 30,000 years
- Monitoring Functions
- SNMP v2 & v3, GUI, CLI
- Key Management
- Key Management System (key generation, key storage, proactive/on-demand key delivery). System supporting ETSI GS QKD 014 industry standard key delivery API
- Standards
- CE, UKCA: EN 55032:2015+A11, EN 55035:2017+A11, EN 61000-3-2:2014, EN 61000-3-3:2013, EN 63000:2018. IEC 62638-1:2014, IEC 62638-1:2020, BS EN 60825-1:2014, IEC 60825-2:2010, FCC: 47 CFR, Part 15, FDA: 21 CFR, Part J
- Dimensions
- Standard 19'' rack mount (3U height)