📋 Tender Overview
Rostelecom and InfoTeCS have completed technological tests that will help accelerate the commercial implementation of quantum protection for the transmission of especially important and sensitive data, and will also improve the security of critical information infrastructure (CII). Rostelecom's test bench was used for the first time to test the InfoTeCS solution for the use of quantum key distribution (QKD) on a fiber-optic communication line (FOCL) with wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM). The correct operation of the QKD system in DWDM channels was recorded simultaneously with the transmission of classical data through it, both in the forward and reverse directions.
The prototype of the testing system was developed by InfoTeKS based on the quantum cryptographic key generation and distribution system with the star topology ViPNet QTS Lite. For testing, an existing fiber-optic communication line with typical DWDM equipment used in the Rostelecom network was used. The transmission of quantum keys over a distance of up to 40 km with a radiation power equivalent to 20 DWDM data transmission channels was tested. The obtained results indicate the possibility of using the QKD system in a modern fiber-optic infrastructure without the need to allocate a separate fiber for generating quantum keys.
Successful testing of the QKD technology on existing DWDM networks reduces investment and operating costs for the implementation and operation of quantum data protection systems. A guaranteed high level of security for the transmission of critical data is required by government and corporate clients, in particular, the financial sector.
Experts believe that quantum communications provide the highest level of data transfer security and protection against internal intruders that exists today. The technology is based on fundamental laws of quantum physics that cannot be circumvented. To exchange encryption keys, the technology uses single photons whose states are irreversibly changed as soon as someone tries to “read” them. Any attempt to intercept quantum keys will be immediately detected and stopped.
