CTM and Huawei have launched the world’s first integrated quantum key distribution (QKD)-communication target IP network, a move designed to fortify digital security across the Greater Bay Area. The network addresses a growing threat: encrypted data that would take traditional computers trillions of years to crack could be breached in minutes with quantum computing, according to Huawei. This development arrives as China’s 15th Five-Year Plan designates quantum technology as a strategic future industry.
Integrated QKD-Communication Target IP Network Secures Greater Bay Area
The newly deployed network integrates quantum key distribution (QKD) directly into an IP network, a first for the Greater Bay Area and a step toward bolstering regional digital security. This integration streamlines quantum and conventional communication channels into a unified system, creating a foundation for networks with inherent quantum security features.
CTM and Huawei designed the network to shield critical services, including government operations, financial transactions and essential infrastructure, from emerging threats posed by advancements in quantum computing. The impetus for this development stems from the accelerating capabilities of quantum computers, which drastically reduce the time required to break currently used encryption methods.
CTM, aligning with this national strategy and regional security needs, proactively established a local quantum-secured network foundation to accelerate the adoption of these technologies in Macao. This network’s architecture moves beyond simply adding QKD as an overlay; it fundamentally combines quantum and IP layers. “Innovative QKD-communication integration combines the quantum, negotiation, and communication channels into one,” the companies stated, enabling smooth operation of both quantum and conventional networks.
This approach is intended to reduce total cost of ownership for operators by over 60 percent, as Huawei pioneered the industry’s first router with built-in QKD capabilities. The resulting infrastructure provides robust security assurance for digital transformation and data transmission for both government and enterprise customers.
CTM’s CEO, Poon Fuk Hei, emphasized the company’s role in Macao’s digital evolution. “As a core enabler of Macao’s digital and intelligent transformation and a trusted guardian of its communication security, CTM has long been dedicated to building and strengthening local communication networks,” he said. “It has been a key driver behind the evolution and real-world deployment of the network foundation powering Digital and Intelligent Macao.” The deployment of this quantum-secured network foundation fully accelerates the adoption of quantum security technologies within the region.
Huawei’s commitment to quantum security extends beyond hardware, encompassing software, algorithms, and ongoing innovation, the company says. Leon Wang, President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, highlighted security and resilience as defining characteristics of IP bearer networks. “In the realm of quantum security—a crucial subset of security and resilience—Huawei has maintained continuous investment and innovation across hardware, software, algorithms, and more,” Wang stated.
The collaboration between CTM and Huawei aims to extend beyond this initial deployment, with plans to design specialized quantum-secured private lines and accelerate their implementation on live networks. Looking ahead, the companies intend to use Macao’s geographical advantages and technical expertise to encourage collaborative development and practical applications of quantum security throughout the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
This partnership seeks to safeguard the region’s digital economy and drive high-quality development through enhanced security measures. The combined effort signals a commitment to not only protect against future quantum computing threats but also to establish the Greater Bay Area as a hub for quantum technology innovation and deployment.
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