High-Security, Quantum-Resistant Networks
Munich Quantum Network at the University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich achieves milestone with newly developed key management system.
In the age of quantum computers, it is necessary to develop future-proof cryptographic methods. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD, the quantum-based distribution of cryptographic keys) is a method that uses physical properties of quantum mechanics to provide two or more participants with a common and physically secure key for communication.
Researchers are working at full speed on this: In the MuQuaNet (Munich Quantum Network) project, the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich is working together with IT security expert Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity, among others, to develop, build and operate a quantum-secure communications network for research and evaluation and to make it available to other research institutions and authorities.
Protecting sovereign and private-sector customers
As part of the project, an important milestone toward highly secure quantum-resistant networks has now been reached: The newly developed key management system for integrating QKD keys into the R&S SITLine network encryptors has been successfully tested.
The network encryptors in the R&S SITLine product family protect sovereign and private-sector customers against espionage and manipulation of data transmitted via Ethernet over fixed networks, microwave links or satellites. They meet the diverse requirements of government institutions, companies and KRITIS and are approved by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).
MuQuaNet is a research project funded by dtec.bw. The dtec.bw – Center for Digitization and Technology Research of the German Armed Forces is a scientific center jointly supported by the Universities of the German Armed Forces in Munich and Hamburg and part of the federal government’s economic stimulus program to overcome the COVID-19 crisis. Various partners from research and industry are involved in the project. The University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich is responsible for the project management.
