Toshiba QSN Spoke 1550/1310
Cost-effective scaling for quantum-safe networks
Toshiba QSN Spoke is a remote endpoint for point-to-multipoint quantum key distribution (QKD) networks. Working with the Toshiba QSN Hub, it extends quantum-safe key distribution to remote sites and enables scalable hub-and-spoke deployments.
Add sites without adding complexity
By reconciling Quantum Key Distribution and integrated key delivery within a single platform, the Spoke creates the conditions to expand quantum-safe networking without needing to redesign existing architecture or place further demands on infrastructure.
Specifically conceptualised for hub-and-spoke topologies, the Spoke is available in 1550 nm and 1310 nm variants, providing up to a 30 dB optical loss budget. In 1310 nm deployments, when used with the QSN Multiplexer, it can coexist live data services with quantum-safe networking over existing fibre, empowering operators to easily add new sites rapidly and economically.
Highlights
Features & Benefits
Add new sites simply
A purpose-built remote endpoint makes it easier to extend quantum-safe connectivity to additional locations. Working with the QSN Hub, each Spoke can be added as requirements grow without deploying a complete point-to-point system at every site.
Bring high-performance to the network edge
With a 30 dB optical loss budget, QSN Spoke brings high performance to remote locations across larger metro and access network footprints.
Keep keys available locally
Local key buffering maintains access to quantum-safe keys between key-generation sessions, helping support continuous encryption at the remote site.
Fit into existing fibre environments
Available in 1550 nm and 1310 nm variants, QSN Spoke supports deployment across different fibre environments. The 1310 nm variant enables coexistence with live data traffic when deployed with the QSN Multiplexer, reducing reliance on dedicated dark fibre.
Specifications
- Model
- Toshiba QSN Spoke 1550 / Toshiba QSN Spoke 1310
- Type
- QSN transmitter with integrated key delivery system (optional)
- Primary applications
- Metro access networks
- Access method
- Point-to-multipoint with time shared quantum links
- Protocol
- Toshiba T12 (efficient BB84 with decoy states and phase encoding)
- Quantum wavelength
- C band 1550 nm / O band 1310 nm
- 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 requirement
- Two fibre or single fibre operation (with 1310nm variant and QSN Multiplexer)
- Entropy source
- QRNG
- Performance
- Active session secret bit rate: 150 kbps at 10 dB (specified), 300 kbps at 10 dB (typical)
- Key rate per site: Link key rate × allocated time share
- Maximum loss budget: 30 dB
- Maximum distance:
- 150 km (1550 nm, 0.2 dB/km)
- 90 km (1310 nm, 0.33 dB/km)
- Security parameter: < 1 × 10⁻¹⁰
- Monitoring and 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
- Network Key Delivery
- Key Management System: Optional integrated KDS provides keys to connected points
- Physical and Environmental
- Form factor: 19-inch rack, 2U
- Power: 1+1 redundant hot swappable PSU
- 100–240 VAC, 2.5 A, 50–60 Hz
- Optional –48 VDC, 5.5 A
- Temperature
- Operating: 10°C to 35°C
- Non-operating: –10°C to 60°C
- Humidity
- Operating: up to 80% RH (non-condensing)
- Non-operating: up to 90% RH (non-condensing)
- Fiber connectors
- LC/PC
- Standards
- CE: EN 55032, EN 55035, EN 300 386, IEC 62368-1, IEC 60825-1, IEC 60825-2, IEC 63000
- FCC: 47 CFR, Part 15B; FDA: 21 CFR, Part J; ICES: ICES-003; VCCI: VCCI-CISPR 32
- KC: TBA; RCM: TBA