Quantum-Safe Data Moves at 800GbE Between New York & London

Colt Technology Services and Ciena have achieved the fastest quantum-safe data transmission ever demonstrated across the Atlantic, moving data at an 800 Gigabit Ethernet service rate between New York and London. The trial successfully protected live data traversing 6900km of Colt’s network using Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme encryption, proving data-centre-scale volumes can cross continents in seconds while shielded from emerging quantum threats. This demonstration arrives as research indicates 69% of organizations believe quantum computing poses a real risk to current encryption methods, prompting a need for proactive security measures. “Quantum computing is redefining the security challenge for global connectivity,” said Buddy Bayer, chief operating officer, Colt Technology Services. “This trial marks a significant step forward in protecting the world’s data as it moves across continents.”

800GbE Transatlantic Trial Achieves Quantum-Safe Data Transmission

An 800 Gigabit-per-second service rate was sustained during a recent transatlantic trial, marking a significant advancement in the speed of quantum-safe data transmission. This achievement proves data-centre-scale volumes can now cross the Atlantic in mere seconds while maintaining security against emerging quantum threats, a capability increasingly vital as the risk of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks grows. The trial utilized Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) encryption solution to secure the data flow, employing National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-compliant post-quantum cryptography algorithms. Colt can now offer a range of quantum-safe services, including solutions based on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), and Symmetric Key Infrastructure (SKI), catering to diverse customer needs. Dino DiPerna, senior vice president, Global Research and Development at Ciena, explained that as network demand surges, operators are raising the security bar to stay ahead of the threat posed by quantum computers. The successful demonstration underscores a collaborative effort to build future-ready networks capable of supporting the demands of the AI economy and ensuring data security in the quantum era.

WaveLogic 6 Extreme Encryption Secures 6900km Network

The demonstration proved data could be transmitted at a rate of 800 gigabits per Ethernet service, enabling the rapid transfer of data-centre-scale volumes across the Atlantic in mere seconds. This achievement addresses the growing threat of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, where malicious actors intercept and store data anticipating future quantum capabilities to break existing encryption. Research indicates that 69% of organizations recognize quantum computing as a genuine risk to current encryption methods, and 46% fear significant data compromise. The successful trial showcases the readiness of high-speed, quantum-safe connectivity to reliably secure customer data along one of the world’s busiest data corridors. The demand for uncrackable data transmission is no longer a distant concern; the recent transatlantic trial conducted by Colt Technology Services and Ciena demonstrates a viable path toward securing data against the looming threat of quantum computers.