Quantum Corridor proves 1.6 Tb/s encryption works on a commercial line

Quantum Corridor, Ciena, and Toshiba have completed the first demonstration of 1.6 terabits per second quantum-safe optical encryption on a live, commercial network in the Midwestern United States. The trial combined Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme optical encryption with NIST-certified post-quantum cryptography algorithms and Toshiba’s quantum key distribution technology, offering a hybrid approach to secure data against future quantum computing threats. This successful test addresses the growing concern of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks and demonstrates a practical migration path for organizations seeking quantum security without fully replacing existing infrastructure.

“Quantum-safe networking is no longer a future discussion,” said Ryan Lafler, President & CTO, Quantum Corridor. “By validating 1.6 Tb/s encrypted connectivity with both PQC and QKD on our live network, we’re demonstrating how we can help customers transition to a quantum secure solution.”

WaveLogic 6 Extreme Enables 1.6 Tb/s Quantum-Safe Encryption

Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) has successfully demonstrated 1.6 terabits per second optical encryption capable of quantum-safe security on a live, commercial network, moving beyond laboratory demonstrations to a practical, operational deployment. The trial, conducted on Quantum Corridor’s network in the Midwest United States, establishes a new benchmark for data transmission rates secured against potential threats from future quantum computers. This achievement signifies a critical step in safeguarding data confidentiality as the quantum era approaches and highlights the feasibility of integrating advanced encryption methods into existing network infrastructure.

This hybrid approach offers organizations immediate protection against evolving cyber threats, particularly the risk of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks where data is intercepted and stored for decryption once quantum computers become powerful enough to break current encryption standards. Supporting both PQC and QKD provides network operators with flexibility in mitigating these risks, allowing a phased transition to quantum-safe networking without requiring immediate, wholesale infrastructure replacement.

The trial leveraged Quantum Corridor’s existing network, currently carrying customer traffic between data centers, to provide encrypted channels secured by a co-propagating QKD system. This underscores the potential for seamless integration of quantum-safe technologies into established networks and the ability to scale both capacity and security alongside growing bandwidth demands and cybersecurity requirements.

“The shift to quantum-safe communications is no longer optional for organizations handling sensitive data,” said Dino DiPerna, Senior Vice President, Global Research and Development, Ciena. “This milestone highlights how high-speed optical encryption with PQC and/or QKD interworking can be easily deployed in real-world network environments to help customers protect critical data today while preparing for the threat of quantum computers.” Terry Cronin, Vice President, Toshiba Corporation, added that “Preparing for the quantum era requires a layered approach to cybersecurity,” and explained that “Quantum Key Distribution complements post-quantum cryptography by adding a physical layer of security that strengthens the protection of critical communications.”