As quantum communication advances, ensuring the coexistence of classical and quantum signals is crucial for future secure networks. In the ALLEGRO project, we explore how Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) can be integrated into existing infrastructure, balancing performance and practicality.
🔑 Key Insights:
✔️ DV-QKD has demonstrated feasibility for coexisting with classical signals over fiber in access and metro networks (≤40 km).
✔️ CV-QKD can be viable in dense urban areas with shorter link distances.
✔️ Backbone networks pose challenges—coexistence may be infeasible for links >40-50 km, requiring dedicated fibers for quantum communication.
🚀 Overcoming Network Limitations:
To enable coexistence, QKD signals must pass through in-line amplifiers (ILA), ROADM, and FOADM nodes, requiring:
🔹 Node architecture redesign to handle QKD signals.
🔹 Mitigation of spontaneous emission in amplified links.
🔹 Advanced filtering, particularly for CV-QKD, which operates within the same spectrum band as classical channels.
📡 Building the Future of Secure Quantum Networks
As quantum technologies evolve, optimizing hybrid classical-quantum networks is key to unlocking the full potential of quantum-secured communications.
💡 What are your thoughts on integrating QKD into existing networks? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇
#QuantumSecurity #QKD #Cybersecurity #QuantumNetworks #Telecom #FiberOptics #Photonics #QuantumComputing
