Toshiba QSN Hub 1550/1310
Point-to-multipoint quantum-safe networking
The QSN Hub offers a one-to-many deployment capability for scalable multi-site and metro-access networks. Using active optical switching, a single Hub can connect to multiple QSN Spokes through time-shared quantum links.
This architecture significantly reduces hardware footprint and power required as networks grow, providing an efficient way to extend quantum-safe key distribution across multiple locations.
Start where the need is greatest
Supporting multiple spokes, with extended reach and high secure bit rates, operators can start where need is greatest, protecting the most critical parts of the network first and scaling deployment as business or market requirements evolve.
New service and revenue opportunities
This presents network operators and service providers with new commercial opportunities. By extending quantum-safe connectivity to more customers from a shared infrastructure footprint, operators can support new differentiated service offerings, reach wider market segments and create opportunities for potential incremental revenue.
Highlights
Features & Benefits
Scale efficiently across more sites
A single QSN Hub can serve multiple remote locations through a point-to-multipoint architecture. Sharing QKD infrastructure reduces the need for dedicated systems for every connection, helping operators cost-effectively extend coverage.
Create new service and revenue opportunities
Superior performance over a shared infrastructure footprint to serve more customers, expand service tiers and use cases, and unlock new revenue opportunities.
Align investment with demand
Operators can begin with priority locations and add QSN Spokes to the hub as customer demand grows. This demand-led approach helps avoid large upfront infrastructure commitments and allows capital investment to scale more closely with service adoption.
Keep keys available between sessions
Per-site key stores retain keys between key-generation sessions, while automated replenishment responds to changing network demand. Encryption services can therefore continue even when an individual site is not actively generating new quantum keys.
Specifications
- Model
- Toshiba QSN Hub 1550 / Toshiba QSN Hub 1310
- Type
- QSN Transceiver with integrated 1×N optical switch (single managed node)
- Switching Pattern
- Time-shared, manual, defined service level
- Access method
- Point‑to‑multipoint with time‑shared quantum links
- Sites served
- Base configuration serves 7 up to spokes, larger switch configurations are available
- Primary applications
- Metro‑access networks, multi-branch deployments, data centre interconnections
- Quantum & optical channels
- Protocol: Toshiba T12 (efficient BB84 with decoy states and phase encoding)
- Quantum wavelengths: 1550 nm (C-band), 1310 nm (O-band)
- Classical wavelengths: 1530.33 nm (channel 59) and 1529.55 nm (channel 60); SFP’s are changeable to any C-band channel aligned to the ITU-T grid between 1530nm and 1565nm
- Fiber: single- or dual-fibre operation (with QSN Multiplexer)
- Entropy source: QRNG
- Performance
- Active session secret bit rate: 150 kbps at 10 dB (specified), 300 kbps typical
- Key rate per site: link key rate × allocated time share
- Maximum loss budget: 30 dB
- Maximum distance: 150 km (1550 nm), 90 km (1310 nm)
- Security parameter: <1 × 10⁻¹⁰
- Monitoring & security
- Management: SNMP v2/v3, GUI, CLI, REST API
- Interfaces: 2 × LC optical (TX/RX), 2 × SFP QKD service channels), 2 × RJ45 for management and key delivery, 2 × SFP (for optional optical management and key delivery interface), VGA and 2 × USB for local access
- Tamper detection: hardware-based with alarming
- Key delivery / SDN: ETSI GS QKD 014, Cisco SKIP (optional), ETSI GS QKD 015
- Key management
- Optional integrated KDS for network‑wide key delivery
- Physical & environmental
- Form factor: 19-inch rack, 3U
- Power: 1+1 redundant hot-swappable PSU (100–240 VAC or –48 VDC)
- Temperature: operating 10°C to 35°C; non-operating –10°C to 60°C
- Humidity: operating up to 80% RH; non-operating up to 90% RH
- Connectors: LC/PC
- Compliance
- CE, FCC, FDA, ICES, VCCI, IEC 62368‑1, IEC 60825‑1/‑2, IEC 63000, others TBA
- Standards
- CE (EN 55035, EN 300 386, IEC 62368‑1, IEC 60825‑2), FDA (21 CFR, Part J)