Ad-hoc hybrid-heterogeneous metropolitan-range quantum key distribution network

Goy M, Krause J, Bayraktar Ö, Ancsin P, David F, Dirmeier T, Doell N, Dwan J, Fohlmeister F, Freund R, Goebel TA, Hilt J, Jaksch K, Kohout O, Kopf T, Krzic A, Leipe M, Leuchs G, Marquardt C, Mendez KL, Milde A, Mishra S, Moll F, Paciorek K, Pavlovic Tucakovic N, Richter S, Rothe M, Rüddenklau R, Sauer G, Schell M, Schreck J, Schreier A, Sharma S, Spier S, Spiess C, Steinlechner F, Tünnermann A, Vural H, Walenta N, Weide S (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

New Journal of Physics Institute of Physics: Open Access Journals / Institute of Physics (IoP) and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft

Book Volume: 27

Article Number: 114510

Journal Issue: 11

DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/ae1864

Abstract

This paper presents the development and implementation of a versatile ad-hoc metropolitan-range quantum key distribution (QKD) network. The approach presented integrates various types of physical channels and QKD protocols, and a mix of trusted nodes and intermodal coupling. Unlike conventional QKD networks that predominantly depend on either fiber-based or free-space optical (FSO) links, the testbed presented incorporates FSO and fiber-based links, thereby overcoming some inherent limitations. Various network deployment strategies have been considered, including permanent infrastructure and provisional ad-hoc links to eradicate coverage gaps. Furthermore, the ability to rapidly establish a network using portable FSO terminals and to investigate diverse link topologies is demonstrated. The study also showcases the successful establishment of a quantum-secured link to a cloud server.

Authors with CRIS profile

Ömer Bayraktar Chair of Optical Quantum Technologies Thomas Dirmeier Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik Kevin Jaksch Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik Gerhard Leuchs Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik Christoph Marquardt Chair of Optical Quantum Technologies Stefan Richter Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik Jan Schreck Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik Hüseyin Vural Chair of Optical Quantum Technologies

Involved external institutions

Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik (IOF) / Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering DE Germany (DE) Fraunhofer-Institut für Nachrichtentechnik (Heinrich-Hertz-Institut FhG HHI) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Goy, M., Krause, J., Bayraktar, Ö., Ancsin, P., David, F., Dirmeier, T.,... Weide, S. (2025). Ad-hoc hybrid-heterogeneous metropolitan-range quantum key distribution network. New Journal of Physics, 27(11). https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/ae1864

MLA:

Goy, Matthias, et al. "Ad-hoc hybrid-heterogeneous metropolitan-range quantum key distribution network." New Journal of Physics 27.11 (2025).

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