SKT Develops Integration Technology for Quantum Cryptography Networks Among Manufacturers

SK Telecom announced on the 5th that it has succeeded in developing an automatic control and operation technology that virtualizes quantum cryptographic communication networks composed of communication equipment from different manufacturers into a single integrated network to provide quantum keys, the first of its kind in the world.

Until now, it was impossible to connect quantum cryptographic communication networks if the manufacturers, telecom operators, or countries were different. With the integrated technology developed by SKT, it has become possible to connect quantum cryptographic communications among various manufacturers, telecom operators, and countries. SKT applied its self-developed optimal routing algorithm to the quantum cryptographic communication network integration technology, enabling the calculation of various routes in the integrated virtual quantum cryptographic network and automatically providing quantum keys to encryption devices. This technology was successfully demonstrated on the national test network KOREN (Korea Advanced Research Network, operated by the National Information Society Agency (NIA) as a future network leading testbed).

SKT researchers testing integrated technology for quantum cryptographic communication networks.
[Photo by SKT]

To virtualize and automatically control and operate quantum cryptographic communication networks, standards between quantum cryptographic equipment and software control platforms are crucial. Based on the results of developing and completing the demonstration of this technology, SKT has been promoting standardization through sharing cases with global telecom operators.

To establish standards for integrating quantum cryptographic communication networks, SKT proposed two standardization tasks to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and in March, these were adopted as standardization tasks by ETSI’s Industrial Specification Group (ISG) QKD. If SKT’s standardization tasks are approved as global standards, it will secure the technical foundation to interconnect quantum cryptographic communication networks individually built by each operator into one large network. SKT plans to continue researching additional necessary technologies such as service interworking and quality management for standardization approval. Furthermore, through the development of quantum cryptographic communication network integration technology and standardization task research, SKT expects to strengthen the global competitiveness of domestic companies and activate the quantum cryptographic ecosystem both domestically and internationally.

As part of this effort, SKT recently engaged in technology development cooperation and presented application cases of next-generation transmission encryption technology and proposals for quantum cryptography demonstrations at the global next-generation communication standards forum, the IOWN (Innovative Optical & Wireless Network) Global Forum. The quantum cryptographic communication technology was also showcased at Mobile World Congress (MWC23).

Ryu Tak-gi, head of SKT’s infrastructure technology division, stated, “SKT, which began developing quantum cryptographic communication technology in 2011, possesses various technological capabilities in materials, components, and systems in this field,” adding, “As we have developed the integrated quantum cryptographic communication network technology this time, we will continue to lead the market and contribute to the spread and popularization of quantum cryptographic communication.”