Researchers at Toshiba Europe have used quantum key distribution (QKD) cryptography to send messages a record 254km using a traditional fibre optic cable network. <\/span>It\u2019s the first time scientists have achieved a coherent quantum communication using existing telecomms infrastructure.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n The breakthrough marks a step closer to ultra-secure quantum encryption, which could fend off hacks from even the most advanced classical and quantum computers of the future.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n QKD is a form of communication that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to securely share encryption keys between two parties. It transmits information in the form of light. These photons carry qubits, the basic units of quantum information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Crucially, it is impossible to \u201clisten in\u201d on a quantum message without disturbing the quantum states. It would instantly alert both parties to eavesdropping. This makes the technology<\/a> <\/span>\u201c<\/span>untapp<\/a>able<\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n 40% off TNW Conference! For 1 week only…<\/p>\n Register by 28 April & save up to \u20ac700 on General<\/a> Admission, Corporate, VIP & Investor Passes, and Startup\/Scaleup packages<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Quantum communication typically relies on expensive lasers and cryogenic cooling equipment. The researchers, however, were able to send quantum messages via fibre optic cable, potentially bringing the technology closer to practical applications in telecoms.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the test, conducted last year, the team established a quantum communications network spanning 254km of existing commercial optical fibre in Germany. The network connected telecom data centres in Frankfurt and Kehl via a relay node in Kirchfeld.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The system managed to send quantum messages twice the distance of the record set in previous QKD research, without cryogenic cooling. While the data transmission was slow \u2014 110 bits per second \u2014 it still represents an important stepping stone. The findings were published in <\/span>Nature<\/span><\/i> this week.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis work opens the door to practical quantum networks without needing exotic hardware,\u201d Mirko Pittaluga, one of the paper\u2019s lead authors, told IEEE Spectrum. \u201cIt lowers the entry barrier for industry adoption.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Today, confidential information is transmitted online using encryption keys that would take classical computers an impractically long time to break. Quantum computers, however, are a different story.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n By exploiting quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement, quantum computers can process many more possibilities at once. As these machines get more powerful, they could potentially hack the most secure classical encryptions in a matter of minutes. They could also break all internet encryption on what is known as <\/span>Q-Day<\/span><\/a>. No wonder global governments are <\/span>scrambling<\/span><\/a> to develop their own quantum cryptography infrastructure.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n The Next in Tech is one of three key themes <\/span>at\u00a0<\/span>TNW Conference<\/a>, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event are\u00a0<\/span>now on sale<\/a> \u2014 use the code TNWXMEDIA<\/a>2025 at the checkout to get 30% off.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our Technology category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
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