Massive quantum network unveiled
The world's largest quantum-encrypted network has been unveiled in Vienna, providing a glimpse of how data could be transmitted securely in the future.
The network is the result of more than four years of work with 41 organisations from 12 countries working to integrate quantum cryptography into a modern business network. It has been overseen by the EU-sponsored SECOQC (Development of a Global Network for Secure Communication Based on Quantum Cryptography).
Quantum cryptography is a technique of sending information in a way that makes it impossible for people to intercept without corrupting the information in transit. Packages of data are sent down fibre-optic cables in the form of light photons which are then received and converted back into data. If this data is intercepted en route, the intended recipient will see an increase in the error rate of the data received, allowing them to detect whether it has been accessed.
