Terra Quantum’s QKD Works on Existing Fiber Infrastructure

Melita’s two main data centers in Malta are now linked by a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system, marking a significant step beyond laboratory demonstrations and into operational telecom networks. The deployment, achieved by Terra Quantum in collaboration with Melita Business and Merqury Cybersecurity, utilizes existing fiber infrastructure, a departure from the expectation that dedicated lines are necessary for quantum security. This installation successfully exchanges cryptographic keys secured by quantum technology across a live network without requiring any infrastructure modifications. “By successfully operating our quantum key distribution technology on a live telecom network, we are proving that quantum security can be integrated into existing infrastructure today,” said Markus Pflitsch, Founder and CEO of Terra Quantum, comparing the advance to the shift to encrypted internet traffic in the early 2000s.

QKD Deployment on Melita’s Live Fiber Network

This deployment challenges the expectation that entirely new networks are required for quantum security, utilizing Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) to operate without infrastructure modifications. The system’s success is underscored by its handling of tens of thousands of key requests with zero unplanned client-impacting incidents, validating the feasibility of integrating quantum security into live telecom environments. Terra Quantum’s proprietary QKD technology incorporates a Quantum Random Number Generator and Optical Time-Domain Reflectometry to continuously monitor the fiber link for intrusion attempts, delivering provably secure key exchange. Matthew Farrugia, Technical Head of Service Delivery & Data Centre at Melita, highlights the importance of this new capability, noting that ensuring the highest level of security for the connection between their data centers is essential. This project contributes to broader European efforts to establish a continent-wide quantum-secure communications network, bolstering technological sovereignty and long-term data protection.

The prevailing expectation that quantum key distribution (QKD) necessitates entirely new fiber optic networks is being challenged by recent deployments leveraging existing infrastructure. A collaboration between Terra Quantum, Melita Business, and Merqury Cybersecurity has successfully established a QKD link connecting Melita’s two primary data centers in Malta, demonstrating an advancement in operational quantum security. This approach differs from many experimental QKD systems and validates the feasibility of incorporating quantum security into live telecommunications environments.

Terra Quantum’s QRNG & OTDR Enhance Key Security

Terra Quantum, a Munich-based quantum technology firm, is demonstrating the practical application of quantum key distribution (QKD) beyond laboratory settings with a recent deployment in Malta. This achievement counters the common expectation that QKD necessitates entirely new, dedicated infrastructure; the system operates over Melita’s active fiber using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM). The QRNG produces truly unpredictable cryptographic keys, while the OTDR continuously monitors the fiber link for potential intrusion attempts, bolstering security. As Pflitsch notes, “This represents a major step toward building the quantum-secure communication backbone Europe will rely on in the future.” This achievement addresses a key barrier to widespread QKD adoption, proving that quantum-secure key exchange can operate seamlessly alongside current telecom services.