What KISTI’s Quantum Network Research Center achieved at ECOC 2025 is a breakthrough in secure quantum key delivery, selected as the only Asian demonstration for two consecutive years. The team showcased its Smart Quantum-key Relay System (SQRS), enabling flexible and efficient key exchange across independent networks without information leakage. This technology dynamically optimizes encryption methods, reducing latency and enhancing operational efficiency. The demonstration reaffirms KISTI’s global leadership in quantum communication research.
Quantum-Key Relay System Advances Secure Communication
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) demonstrated its Smart Quantum-key Relay System (SQRS) at the European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) 2025 in Copenhagen. This demonstration marks a significant step forward in secure communication technologies, as KISTI was the only Asian representative selected for this showcase, for the second consecutive year. The SQRS aims to facilitate secure and intelligent quantum key delivery between independently operated Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks, addressing a critical need in modern network security.
Unlike conventional dependent structures, KISTI’s SQRS is designed for flexible key exchange between different vendors and operators without compromising information security. The system dynamically selects the optimal encryption method based on user security needs and available quantum key capacity, minimizing latency and maximizing efficiency. Wonhyuk Lee, Director of KISTI’s Quantum Network Research Center, believes this technology is key to expanding practical quantum communication networks.
“SQRS is a key technology that enables the practical expansion of quantum communication networks.”
Director Wonhyuk Lee, KISTI’s Quantum Network Research Center
Building on this advancement, Kyuseok Sim, Senior Research Engineer at KISTI, anticipates that SQRS will benefit both service providers and users. The technology promises a more interoperable ecosystem, reducing costs and accelerating innovation within the global quantum communication industry. This demonstration reaffirms KISTI’s global leadership and commitment to advancing quantum communication research and development.
“Through SQRS, both service providers and users can benefit from a more efficient and interoperable ecosystem.”
Senior Research Engineer Kyuseok Sim, KISTI’s Quantum Network Research Center
Interoperability Breakthrough in Quantum Network Technology
Building on this demonstration of secure key delivery, KISTI’s SQRS significantly enhances interoperability through a novel approach to key management. The system utilizes a multi-layer relay architecture, allowing quantum keys to be securely exchanged between networks employing different QKD protocols and hardware vendors. This avoids the limitations of current systems that often require homogenous network infrastructure for operation, according to KISTI representatives. This flexibility is crucial for scaling quantum networks beyond isolated deployments.
Kyuseok Sim, Senior Research Engineer at KISTI, highlighted that the SQRS incorporates a dynamic key selection algorithm. This algorithm intelligently chooses the most efficient encryption method based on real-time network conditions and user security requirements. The company announced that this results in minimized transmission latency and optimized key capacity utilization. Early tests show a potential latency reduction of up to 15% compared to static key exchange methods.
Wonhyuk Lee, Director of KISTI’s Quantum Network Research Center, explained that this breakthrough fosters a more collaborative quantum communication ecosystem. By removing vendor lock-in and simplifying network integration, SQRS lowers barriers to entry for new participants. This is expected to accelerate innovation and reduce costs across the global quantum communication industry, ultimately paving the way for widespread adoption of secure quantum networks.
KISTI’s demonstration of the Smart Quantum-key Relay System at ECOC 2025 signifies a crucial step toward truly interoperable quantum networks. This technology enables secure key exchange between independently operated networks, overcoming limitations of previous, dependent structures. For industries relying on robust data security, this represents a pathway to scalable and flexible quantum communication infrastructure.
The implications extend beyond simply enhancing security protocols; KISTI’s system could enable broader adoption by facilitating communication across diverse vendor and operator landscapes. By dynamically selecting optimal encryption methods, the SQRS promises adaptable security tailored to specific user needs, solidifying the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information’s position as a global leader in this rapidly evolving field.
