First steps towards fully wireless quantum-safe communication

Fürth, 26.06.2025

An interdisciplinary team of researchers and companies in Germany has demonstrated the integration of quantum key distribution (QKD) with Li-Fi technology for the first time. The demonstration was carried out as part of the BMBF-funded project “QuINSiDa” and showcased at the PMRExpo exhibition in Köln, Germany.

Figure 1: (Left) Two QKD nodes, connected by Li-Fi to transmit the classical QKD channel and optical fiber for the quantum QKD channel. (Middle) Closeup of the Li-Fi link connecting the two QKD nodes. (Right) Monitoring and control dashboard.

While QKD produces ultra-secure keys used for encrypting data, it relies on an optical line of sight connection to work – the very principle underlying Li‑Fi – making them a natural match. This fusion unlocks innovative applications that combine ultra‑high data security with the speed and efficiency of LED‑based Li‑Fi. Key applications include local quantum networks (Q‑LANs) for campuses, as well as fixed‑to‑mobile connections for airports, planes, shipyards, ships, and critical infrastructure.

Technological details

Developed by consortium partners, the key technologies include:

  • Li-Fi (Light Fidelity): is a wireless communication technology that utilizes light to transmit data, providing high-speed data transfer, enhanced security, and minimized interference. It is specifically designed for environments where radio frequency communication is restricted or where secure data exchange is essential. The Fraunhofer IPMS Institute in Dresden is designing these systems and provided both sender and receiver within the project.
  • QKD and KMS: KEEQuant GmbH in Fürth is developing a continuous‑variable quantum key distribution (CV‑QKD) system. Built on standard coherent communication fiber optics, it leverages Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle for quantum security, operates at room temperature, and fits in a standard 19″ rack. An accompanying Key Management System supplies encryption keys to applications. The project focuses on seamless system integration and protocols tailored for campus networks.
  • Networking Monitoring: Monitoring systems combined with meaningful dashboards are crucial for many reasons. In addition to visualizing a general overview, it is also helpful to get deep insights into the status of individual devices or the overall health of the network. QKD applications and devices are not yet widely available, especially in a fibreless version. As part of the QuINSiDa project, we have been working on the interfaces to the QKD and KMS systems as well as to the Li-Fi and PAT systems. For the QKD connection, we have built on the ETSI QKD standards. The PMR-Expo dashboard provided by Infosim® shows a logical representation of the demo with status indicators of each device. In addition, the relevant metrics, such as key rate and error rate, were visualized as time series.

Integrating these technologies enabled a two‑node demonstration in which the classical communication channel between CV‑QKD devices—typically connected by cable—was replaced by a wireless Li‑Fi link.

BESCom GmbH, investigating these use cases, predicts that mobile high‑security data communication will play a crucial role in the future of both mobile and optical networks.

The optical fiber linking the quantum components of the two QKD systems will later be replaced by a telescope developed by Fraunhofer IPMS, enabling a fully wireless system. Moreover, project partners plan to integrate an encrypted link (Telco Tech GmbH) and an entanglement‑based QKD system (Fraunhofer IOF, Jena), laying a robust foundation for future experiments and products targeting high‑security campus networks and fixed‑to‑mobile scenarios. Stay tuned for further updates as the project advances.

Funding acknowledgement

This project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under project number 16KISQ082K.

Partner details

Fraunhofer IPMS is a leading international research and development service provider for electronic and photonic microsystems in the application fields of Smart Industrial Solutions, Bio and Health, Mobility as well as Green and Sustainable Microelectronics. Research focuses on customer-specific miniaturized sensors and actuators, MEMS systems, microdisplays and integrated circuits as well as wireless and wired data communication. The institute develops systems and components on 200 and 300 mm wafers in their state-of-the-art clean rooms. Services range from consulting and design to process development and pilot series production. Contact: Stephan Kube: stephan.kube@ipms.fraunhofer.de

Infosim® is a leading provider of automated Service Fulfillment and Service Assurance solutions for Telcos, ISPs, Managed Service Providers, and Corporations. Since 2003, Infosim® has been developing and improving upon StableNet®, one of the leading automated network and services management platform with a 4-in-1 solution that combines Discovery & Inventory, Configuration, Fault, and Performance Management.” Contact: Dr. Stefan Kremling: kremling@infosim.net

Founded in 2020, KEEQuant GmbH is a startup company specializing in quantum-safe communication. With the mission of securing today’s communication and network infrastructure, KEEQuant develops and supplies Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Key Management Systems (KMS), featuring a hybrid integration of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to enable future-proof solutions. By employing proven secure methods, KEEQuant ensures that security-critical data streams remain protected against future attacks by quantum computers. As a company fully based and financed within the EU27, KEEQuant is committed to delivering trustworthy solutions even for the most demanding and critical applications. Contact: press@keequant.com

 

 

2025-06-26T13:07:16+00:00June 26th, 2025|

QCI Days Athens

🔐🌍 At the recent QCI Days in Athens, KEEQuant proudly demonstrated its Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Key Management System (KMS) as part of the Austrian QCI-CAT domain — with a live quantum-secure link extended directly to our booth! A real-world showcase of what’s possible when research meets robust engineering.

This successful setup was made possible thanks to great collaboration with:

🇬🇷 HellasQCI
🇪🇸 MADQuantum
🇦🇹 AIT/QCI-CAT

A big thank you to all our partners and the event organizers for making this milestone possible. These cross-border demonstrations clearly show the interoperability and readiness of quantum communication across Europe. 🤝✨

With this, KEEQuant’s QKD and KMS products are fully ready to meet the needs of the upcoming Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) projects, helping secure the continent’s digital infrastructure for decades to come.

2025-05-16T08:09:05+00:00May 16th, 2025|

DemoQuanDT preprint available

The DemoQuanDT consortium is thrilled to announce a new preprint on the deployment of a carrier-grade quantum key distribution (QKD) network. This work highlights a groundbreaking achievement: the creation of a quantum-secured link spanning 923 km between the German cities Berlin and Bonn. The project demonstrated not only the technical feasibility of integrating QKD into existing network infrastructures, but also the scalability and practical implementation of QKD in a real-world carrier environment.

This milestone would not have been possible without the dedicated contributions of the partners: Deutsche Telekom, Adva Network Security GmbH, Hochschule Darmstadt, KEEQuant, Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity and Technische Universität Darmstadt.

You can find the full preprint here: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2503.21186 , and more information on the project site: https://www.forschung-it-sicherheit-kommunikationssysteme.de/projekte/demoquandt

2025-05-16T07:53:05+00:00March 28th, 2025|

16 dB reach specification with CV-QKD in the Andariel Testbed Series

We are excited to announce a major technology milestone: KEEQuant’s Andariel Testbed Series CV-QKD systems now support 16 dB channel loss!

Why is this big news? Because 16 dB reach (80 km in standard telecom fiber) means that continuous-variable QKD is no longer limited to short links—it’s now viable not just for metro and regional, but also for long-haul, core, and data center interconnect networks, broadening its real-world application space. 🚀 This breakthrough brings us a step closer to real-world deployment at scale, making CV-QKD the scalable option for securing critical infrastructure.

Security matters: Our security proofs are well-founded and sound.
➡️ What’s next? Even more reach, full certification, and further miniaturization using photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
📄 Get the full details – Download the datasheet here.

The future of quantum-secure communication is here—and we are just getting started. 💡

 

2025-02-14T10:00:45+00:00February 14th, 2025|

First QKD link at KIT

We’re thrilled to share that the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has officially launched a groundbreaking test of quantum key distribution (QKD) for secure communication networks, as highlighted here

At KEEQuant, we’re proud to have provided our Andariel Testbed Series QKD system for the link. A huge thank you to all our partners and supporters who made this possible, including but not limited to Sebastian Randel , David Hunger and Patrick Matalla who made this impressive presentation possible. Your expertise and dedication are key to driving innovation forward!

2025-01-26T11:05:10+00:00January 26th, 2025|

SAT.1 TV Documentation

📺 In case you missed it during the holiday season: KEEQuant recently appeared on SAT.1, showcasing our cutting-edge work in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and the future of secure communication! 🔒✨

We’re thrilled to see quantum research gaining more visibility, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share the spotlight with amazing people like Christoph Marquardt (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg), Harald Weinfurter (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München), and Gerhard Rempe (Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics), who are all driving innovation in quantum technologies here in Bavaria. 🙌💡

For those interested, you can watch the segment following this link. 🎥

Let’s continue working together to make quantum safe data a reality for everyone. 🚀

2025-01-08T16:26:12+00:00January 8th, 2025|

CESNET and KEEQuant showcase scalable Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology in real-world testbed

Together with our partner CESNET, a provider of IT services for academia and science in the Czech Republic, we are performing integration tests of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) into the CESNET campus network to prepare solutions for a quantum-safe future. This is part of the EU flagship project SEQRET, led by KEEQuant and funded by the Digital Europe Programme. The project’s goals are to provide customer-centric, certifiable and scalable QKD solutions.

The KEEQuant “Andariel Testbed Series” product relies on Continuous-Variable QKD (CV-QKD). It is currently the only QKD technology that can be fully chip-integrated. Consequently, in the future, high-volume manufacturing and lower manufacturing costs will become tangible for CV-QKD, which is going to lead to a more widespread adoption of the technology. Further advantages of an integrated solution are significant reductions in size, weight, and power consumption, along with improved ruggedness of QKD.

With the collaboration between CESNET and KEEQuant, both parties ensure that the engineering of the CV-QKD device is aligned with real-world network requirements. This will be further explored in the collaboration within the SEQRET project.

Stay tuned for more updates on how we are securing the future of communication!

2025-01-08T16:24:31+00:00December 18th, 2024|

Free Space QKD at PMRExpo 2024

At PMRExpo 2024 in Cologne, KEEQuant showcased its latest advancements in quantum key distribution (QKD), highlighting the future of secure communication in the quantum era.

Quantum Security for Critical Infrastructure

KEEQuant’s QKD technology leverages the principles of quantum physics to create encryption keys that are fundamentally secure against any computational attack, including those from future quantum computers. This innovation is particularly vital for sectors requiring long-term data protection, such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and government agencies. By ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential for decades, KEEQuant addresses the pressing need for durable cybersecurity solutions.

Expanding Applications Beyond Fiber Optics

In collaboration with research institutions like the Fraunhofer Institute, KEEQuant is extending the reach of QKD beyond traditional fiber optic networks. The company is developing solutions for ad hoc networks, enabling secure communication for mobile platforms such as aircraft, ships, and vehicles. This flexibility ensures that both stationary and mobile infrastructures can benefit from quantum-secure communication.

A Paradigm Shift in Cryptography

KEEQuant’s approach represents a significant shift from conventional encryption methods. Unlike traditional systems vulnerable to the “store-now-decrypt-later” strategy employed by some adversaries, QKD provides a level of security that is not reliant on computational complexity but on the fundamental laws of physics. This ensures that intercepted data remains indecipherable, safeguarding information against future technological advancements in decryption.

For more details on KEEQuant’s participation at PMRExpo 2024, visit the video here: https://www.messe.tv/2024/pmrexpo/keequant-quantenschluesselverteilung

2025-05-16T07:45:03+00:00November 28th, 2024|

DemoQuanDT: 900 km QKD link in Deutsche Telekom’s Fiber Backbone Network

We are excited to announce that the DemoQuanDT project has successfully entered live operation! 🎉 Over a 900+ km quantum-secured network across Germany, between Berlin and Bonn, we demonstrated real-time Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), including dynamic routing of quantum-secured connections.

📍 Live Demo in Berlin
At the official demonstration in Berlin, representatives from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) witnessed the system in action, showcasing how QKD can be integrated into modern communication networks using additional components like KEEQuant’s key management system KMS1 Evaluation Series. This marks a major step toward a scalable and interoperable quantum-secured infrastructure.

🔑 Why is this important?
The project’s focus on carrier network integration and the underlying architecture aspects provide a blueprint for similar and future quantum networks. A prominent example is the EuroQCI infrastructure spanning across the European Union. Additional features like cross-border networks and inter-carrier-network links are supported .

👏 A huge thank you to all project partners:
📡 Deutsche Telekom | 🔐 Adva Network Security | 🔬 KEEQuant | 🛡 Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity | 🎓 Hochschule Darmstadt | 🏛 TU Darmstadt

This is a major milestone in building a quantum-secured future for Germany and beyond! 🚀

🔗 Learn more on the project’s site.

2025-01-30T09:04:26+00:00November 22nd, 2024|

KEEQuant @ PIC Summit

In October 2024, our colleague Martin attended the PIC Summit Europe in Eindhoven, one of the leading events for the Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) industry. The summit provided valuable insights into the latest developments and trends in photonic technologies.

At KEEQuant, we are actively advancing the development of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) to fully integrate our Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology onto these platforms. While we continue to build state-of-the-art QKD devices, our work on PICs represents a key step toward making quantum communication more compact, efficient, and accessible for broader applications.

Insights from Martin’s Participation:

  • Attending expert talks and panel discussions on the forefront of PIC advancements.
  • Networking with researchers, innovators, and industry leaders in the photonics field.
  • Pitch presentation: Sharing our vision in “QKD on PICs – Making Quantum a Commodity” focusing on the integration of QKD technology into photonic platforms.

The event offered an excellent opportunity to connect with the PIC community and explore collaborative opportunities that align with our goals at KEEQuant.

2025-02-17T09:00:10+00:00October 25th, 2024|
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