Research project at FAU’s Regional Computing Center exploring QKD for campus network environments.
A new research project at the Erlangen Regional Computing Center (RRZE) at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) aims to encrypt data using random quantum states to avoid unauthorized data access, thereby increasing the security of sensitive information. In view of the current geopolitical situation, data security is becoming increasingly important not only for military communications or international negotiations, but also for many other areas. Secrecy is key to preventing eavesdropping and any risks to negotiations.
Dr. Susanne Naegele-Jackson, head of the Network research group at the RRZE, and her two research associates Jasmin Neumann and Vincent Burkard are now working with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to protect critical infrastructure such as campus networks in the project named “Integrating QKD technology into classical network environments”. QKD can be used in order to counteract the impending risk posed by quantum computers, like the also existing Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). But PQC uses mathematical complexity, which is considered only secure relative to the available computing power, to make data decryption harder, while QKD is based on physical principles and, when properly implemented, guarantees confidentiality in the future as well. “QKD relies on the unique properties of QuBits (usually photons) that differ from classical bits and cause a change in state during measurement. They are therefore suitable for secure communications,” explains Jasmin Neumann. “In the current situation, research on quantum key distribution is particularly important. Quantum computers are developing at high speed and may in the near future be able to decode data that has previously been considered unbreakable. Therefore, we always have to be one step ahead.”
In the first project phase, planned to run until the end of 2026, the researchers will check the practicality of the systems. This includes investigating how the QuBits that are sensitive to light and temperature behave when used with classical network components. Once secure integration into the local network infrastructure has been achieved, research can be carried out into transferring them over longer distances using trusted nodes. At the current time, one of the greatest challenges is the secure exchange of keys over large distances. Without special quantum repeaters, individual photons can only travel up to a distance of 150 kilometers.
The researchers have purchased a research-oriented QKD device pair from IDQ. The devices are currently located in the lab for initial testing and will soon secure a link from the RRZE to the Erlangen National High-Performance Computing Center (NHR@FAU). This regional connection may also be extended, for instance to Munich.
Further information:
Corinna Russow
Erlangen Regional Computing Center (RRZE)
corinna.russow@fau.de