Quantum-Safe Networking (QSN) Platform
Seamlessly integrate and scale quantum-safe networking across existing networks, operations and architectures
The global transition to quantum-safe networking has already begun, representing the largest and most complex cryptographic transformation in history.
This transition is a strategic priority for organisations to protect critical data, maintain trust, and ensure long-term infrastructure resilience. Organisations now need a unified platform that easily integrates quantum-safe technologies within their existing networks, while retaining the flexibility to start where the need is greatest and expand as requirements evolve.
A lower risk, more flexible path to quantum-safe networking
Toshiba’s Quantum-Safe Networking (QSN) Platform is uniquely designed to make that transition simpler and more scalable. It brings together an extensible collection of interoperable quantum-safe networking technologies and capabilities within a unified platform, combining the benefits of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to provide a crypto-agile, defence-in-depth approach.
The QSN platform also creates new commercial opportunities for network operators by providing the scalability and market-leading performance needed to offer new differentiated quantum-safe services to more customers and market segments.
The QSN is deployable today, wherever it’s needed, across diverse network architectures and will scale efficiently as your business dictates.
Products
The QSN Platform combines and offers a complete suite of quantum-safe, centrally managed networking components developed to work seamlessly as a single system. Every individual product plays a specialised role. By deploying this carrier-grade platform, network operators, enterprises and other organisations transform the quantum transition from a costly, complex, time-intensive compliance necessity into a strategic advantage.
All QSN platform components provide high performance, interoperability and global standards adherence including:
- High optical loss budgets for cost effective deployment and design flexibility.
- High Secure Bit Rates serving multiple users with diverse use cases.
- High capacity multiplexing capability enabling coexistence with third-party DWDM data traffic.
- Interworking of quantum transmitters and receivers (any QTx to any QRx, wavelength dependent).
- Standalone or integrated key management options for resilient key distribution, defence in depth and crypto-agility.
- Centralised network configuration, visualisation, control and integration with other networks via global QKD and SDN standards.
The case for action now
The threat from quantum computing to render today’s encryption methods insecure is increasing daily. Regulators, standards organisations and government entities globally are compelling action to transition today’s networks and our sensitive data to be quantum-safe, that is, immune to future cryptographic attacks from quantum computing. Today an organisation’s most sensitive, long-life data is exposed to “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, in which adversaries collect encrypted data and store it until a quantum computer is available to decrypt it. Organisations need to transition to quantum-safe networking to protect their sensitive, long-life data today and for the long term.
This transition is a journey, and organisations will need to:
- Easily integrate quantum-safe networking within their current networks, operational practices, and support systems.
- Efficiently scale quantum-safe capabilities across their network architectures, security requirements, and business objectives.
- Deploy flexible, interoperable, high-performance systems that provide agility and the ability to quickly adapt to market and regulatory requirements.
- Provide unquestioned confidence to their users and customers by deploying future-proof quantum-safe technologies.
“Telecoms providers must choose whether to lead the quantum transition now or risk being left behind.”
QSN in detail
Scale across different network topologies
The QSN Platform comprises all the critical elements needed to deploy and operate quantum-safe networking at scale. Its flexible, interoperable architecture supports diverse network topologies and multi-vendor environments, from long-haul to metro networks. This opens the opportunity for operators, government and enterprises to apply quantum-safe networking to priority areas of the network and extend coverage logically as requirements evolve.
Crypto-agile key delivery
Toshiba’s crypto-agile key delivery can combine QKD and PQC keys to support a layered, defence-in-depth approach, with standards-based interfaces including ETSI GS QKD 014, ETSI GS QKD 020 for key delivery to encryptors, applications and other key management systems.
Control the network from a single point
For network-wide control, the QSN Controller provides a central point to visualise, configure and manage QKD systems. As a dedicated SDN controller, it also supports integration with classical networks via ETSI GS QKD 015 and ETSI GS QKD 018.
Easily integrate with existing operations
The platform also offers advanced visualisation capabilities that deliver enterprise grade visibility, with customisable dashboards and reporting. Existing network management system integration is supported through SNMP, REST APIs, CLI tools or a graphical user interface. Configurable user accounts allow for greater user autonomy, enhancing operational control.