7. August 2026

Secure data exchange with quantum encryption across domains

(Bild: adobe stock/Jibber/mit KI generiert)

In a new project, scientists are researching how quantum-based encryption can be achieved securely and flexibly across domain boundaries with the help of automation processes in network management. The Network research group of the Regional Computing Centre Erlangen (RRZE) at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is part of the project.

Organizations handling sensitive information, such as government authorities or university hospitals, depend on being able to encrypt information in a quantum-secure manner that is, using unconditionally secure encryption methods that are not based on mathematical complexity but on the principles of quantum mechanics.

Eavesdrop-proof key chains between the parties

One such method is encryption using quantum key distribution (QKD). Eavesdropping attempts can be prevented with this method as intercepted bits can no longer be used for key production. So far, QKD only works over short distances. For greater distances, trusted nodes – specially protected intermediate stations that help establish eavesdrop-proof key chains between two parties – would be needed

Until QKD is widely deployed, post-quantum cryptography (PQK) methods continue to be used which are currently still considered secure and were developed to protect data even against attacks by extremely powerful quantum computers. It is essential that both methods can be invoked and managed together within their local network domains and that they can also be managed and monitored in network management systems. For encryption across multiple local domains, management processes can become very complex and should ideally run autonomously through software-based automation. This can be achieved through an intelligent network management concept, such as Intent-Based Networking (IBN), where a network administrator only needs to define the desired outcome (the “intent”), and the system independently translates this specification into the necessary network settings with the help of large language models (LLMs). This process is then continuously monitored using feedback mechanisms known as control loops.

Researchers in the RRZE project “Intent-based quantum-secure domain orchestration” are working on developing this kind of software- and LLM-driven workflow for network operations and control processes.

Project members

The project at the RRZE is part of the collaborative project “QDD – Quantum Domain Dynamics.” The project runs until 2029. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is funding the collaborative project with €3.26 million. The total project volume is €3.84 million.

Infosim is coordinating the collaborative project and the following partner organizations are participating in the project alongside the RRZE “Networks” group: