Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

As quantum computing emerges as a significant threat to existing encryption methods across all industries - including finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and government - ensuring secure communication becomes increasingly urgent. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers a robust solution by utilizing the principles of quantum mechanics to exchange cryptographic keys securely.

QKD not only enables secure key exchange but also detects any eavesdropping attempts, ensuring that any interference is immediately flagged to the parties involved. Incorporating QKD into a cybersecurity strategy offers the greatest possible protection against potential quantum threats.

For organizations seeking a reliable partner in quantum-secure communication, Fraunhofer IPMS is recognized for its proven expertise, innovative technologies, and dedication to developing secure networks for the future. As one of Europe’s leading institutions in QKD research and development, Fraunhofer IPMS stands out as a trusted ally in navigating the challenges posed by quantum computing.

Advantages of Fraunhofer QKD Technology

• Ultra secure
• Eavesdropping is detected immediately
• Manipulation is detected immediately
• Quantum safe (mathematically proven)
• Can be combined with classical optical communications

Fraunhofer IPMS is a recognized leader in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) research, development, and implementation. With a strong foundation in photonic systems and secure communication technologies Fraunhofer IPMS is at the forefront of industrial-grade QKD solutions designed for real-world deployment. Our QKD technology "QKLink" offers state-of-the-art secure communication focusing on both performance and affordability and making QKD accessible for various applications.

• Scalability & Cost-Efficiency: Designed for real-world deployment with a focus on affordability and performance.
• All-in-One: Includes control platform, post-processing, and Key Management System (KMS).
• Miniaturization: Compact, integrated electronics and optics for easy deployment and embedded use.
• Embedded Control with RISC-V: Fraunhofer IPMS ESMA5 RISC-V core controls both QKD (transmitter/receiver) and classical channels.
• Built-in Security: Integration with MACSec IP Core for Layer 2 encryption and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) compatibility.

Fraunhofer IPMS QKD Solutions

Features

• All-in-one systems
• Easy-to-use
• Small size
• Low power consumption (~20W)
• No additional classical channel needed (classical channel is already included)
• Including Fraunhofer IPMS Key Management System (KMS)
• High data rate: 
  • Multi kbps secret key rate
  • Multi Gbps classical channel

Fiber-based

• Single-Fiber-QKD or Separated fibers for QKD and classical channel
• Range: more than 50km

Free-Space solutions

• Pointing, tracking and acquisition (PAT)
• Range: multi km range
• point-to-point and point-to-multipoint
• Laser class 1

Fraunhofer IPMS QKD-System offers a fully integrated, affordable generation of secret keys.

• Establishes and returns secret keys directly via USB interface
• Generates 4 new AES-256 keys per second
• Build from off the shelf electronics
• Integrated polarization compensation allows for fiber and free space operation

Fraunhofer IPMS PAT System establishes and maintains an optical free space link for QKD.

• Modular design to cover distances up to 2km
• Wide Field of view offers up to 26° scanning angles
• Low link losses of under 10dB including fiber coupling losses
• Can be adjusted for handheld operation

A Key Management System (KMS) for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) leverages quantum physical effects to securely manage and distribute encryption keys in the face of quantum computing threats. It facilitates secure communication by integrating QKD links into complex networks and efficiently manages key requests and symmetric key generation using quantum random number generators (QRNGs).

Why do we need a KMS for QKD systems?

• QKD links enable point-to-point secure communication (OSI layer 1&2)
• KMS elevates QKD links to form complex secure networks (OSI layer 3&4)

Key Features & Tasks

• Manage key requests and distribute keys to registered user applications
• Manage suitable entropy sources (QRNGs) to generate symmetric keys for user application

Features and Capabilities

Advantages of the Fraunhofer IPMS KMS with QKD

• Based on ETSI QKD GS 014  (keystream-based approach)
• Centralized network controller architecture
• Description-based network topology (netlist) and management of QKD nodes
• Scalable for a wide range of network scenario complexity
• Generation, routing and distribution of keys for registered applications in the same QKD domain
• User applications can request encryption keys directly from the network
• Management of high bandwidth QRNGs for application key generation
• KMS can allocate QRNGs as high-quality entropy sources for encryption on application-level
• Inter-domain interface via shared trusted nodes (in development)
• IPMS is active participant in domain interoperability interface for domain-connection