AWS Tests Out Its First QKD Secured Network in Singapore

Diagram of the Quantum Secured Networkd Tested in Singapore. Credit: AWS

We reported in June of last year that Amazon Web Services (AWS) had created a fourth initiative related to quantum technology for research into quantum networks. They have completed their first demonstration which implemented a communications network secured by QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) keys between the Centre for Quantum Technologies and Horizon Quantum Computing that implements a VPN tunnel between the two locations. The communication used standard telecom fiber optic cable with a length of 16 kilometers (about 9.9 miles). In the diagram above, the yellow portions shows the quantum devices used to exchange the encryption keys which are then used for the encrypted message transmissions using a classical network shown in pink. The white boxes in the middle are Fortinet Firewall devices which help management the network and the areas in blue are the two computer hosts which the network ties together. Additional information about this test can be found in a blog posting on the AWS website here as well as a technical talk made at Q2B last December by Joe Fitzsimmons, CEO of Horizon Quantum Computing.

March 11, 2023