Jörg-Peter Elbers and panel talk network security in a post-quantum world
OIDA Executive Forum at OFC session to examine maturity of QKD and post-quantum encryption technology
- Panel: Jörg-Peter Elbers, ADVA; Lily Chen, NIST; Michele Mosca, Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo; John Prisco, Quantum Xchange, Vladimir Kozlov (moderator), LightCounting
- Topics: Commercial QKD and encryption
- When: Monday, March 4, 3 p.m.
- Where: OIDA Executive Forum at OFC, Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, San Diego, California, USA
Public key cryptography algorithms currently in use would become insecure if a general-purpose quantum computer were built able to run Shor’s algorithm on a 2048-bit integer. Quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols offer an alternative to algorithmic cryptography. They can establish session keys across distances of hundreds of kilometers, relying on quantum physics to reveal eavesdropping if it occurs, rather than on cryptographic assumptions for security. While the data rates are currently very low for conventional links, quantum key distribution has been demonstrated across optical transport, DCI, optical access and even in free space optics from earth to orbiting satellites and back. Post-quantum encryption offers another alternative by seeking algorithms that are secure even against quantum computers.
This session will feature experts from research and commercial vendors discussing the maturity of quantum communication technology deployed on existing fiber infrastructure.