PacketLight Networks and NEC Corporation jointly demonstrated quantum key distribution (QKD) over a 400G dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) network at NEC laboratories in Japan. The demonstration integrated NEC’s QKD system with PacketLight’s PL-4000M 600G Muxponder, utilising a separate dedicated fiber for QKD transmission alongside the DWDM data link. Validation using a 100GbE tester confirmed 100% throughput and low latency, demonstrating the interoperability and efficiency of the combined solution without requiring infrastructure overhaul. This setup allows for quantum-safe key exchange while maintaining existing network performance.
Recent collaborative demonstrations between PacketLight Networks and NEC Corporation have validated the feasibility of integrating quantum key distribution (QKD) technology with existing Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) infrastructure. Specifically, a joint test conducted at NEC’s laboratories in Japan successfully transmitted QKD alongside a 400G DWDM network utilising PacketLight’s PL-4000M 600G Muxponder. This configuration employed a dual-fiber approach, with the QKD channel operating on a dedicated fiber separate from the primary data transmission fiber, ensuring the integrity of quantum signals without impacting the performance of the DWDM network.
Throughout the demonstration, system compatibility and network performance were rigorously assessed. The integrated solution achieved 100% throughput and consistently low latency, as verified by a 100GbE tester. This confirms that the deployment of QKD can occur in parallel with existing network infrastructure without necessitating substantial or costly overhauls. The practical implications of this approach are significant, offering a scalable and cost-effective method for layering quantum security onto operational environments. This article details a key advancement in secure communication technologies.
The separation of QKD and DWDM traffic via dedicated fiber provides both stability and scalability. This dual-fiber configuration allows for the deployment of quantum security measures in real-world applications while maintaining network simplicity and cost-efficiency, a critical factor for broader adoption. PacketLight and NEC teams validated the interoperability of their respective systems, confirming the applicability of this integrated solution across diverse usage scenarios.
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