Quantum technology makes data and services safer

By in Internet Exchange, InternetExchange, News

An agreement between Italtel, TOP-IX and CSI Piemonte made it possible to test the first prototype of the new Italtel Quantum Secure Network product in the TOP-IX network. QSN was developed for QKD (Quantum Key Distribution), one of the most mature quantum technologies, ready to provide concrete answers to the need for security of information transmitted over communication networks. CSI Piemonte will provide the case study on which to start the experimentation.

Enhance the security of data, infrastructures and public services through the use of quantum technology. This is the goal of the collaboration agreement signed between Italtel, CSI Piemonte and TOP-IX for the implementation in Italy of the first feasibility demonstration of the implementation of quantum technology to support IT security. The agreement makes it possible to test a new Italtel product, called Quantum Secure Network, which exploits the Quantum Key Distribution, a form of encryption that allows data to be transmitted with very high levels of security.

The purpose of the collaboration is to identify the requirements and define the methods of insertion on the TOP-IX network of the QSN product, which consists of a QKD transmitter and receiver to be installed at the ends of an optical fiber link.

“Italtel and TOP-IX share the importance of establishing a strategic collaboration in the field of research and innovation on Quantum Technologies, starting with QKD – says Davide Calonico, Presidente del consorzio TOP-IX –. The QKD market is still in its infancy, but it has enormous potential and we are proud to be the first in Italy to experiment with this technology on our networks, thanks to the technology provided by Italtel”.

The development of QSN was carried out by Italtel in the context of a project co-financed by the European Commission through EIT Digital (European Institute of Technology).