EuroQCI

With quantum communication, it is now possible to be completely sure if the communication line has been ears-dropped on. Therefore, various types of quantum-based signal transmission are gaining momentum, both commercially and as research projects, and DeiC supports this by participating in the European project EuroQCI (European Quantum Communications Infrastructure).

The grand ambition is to create a cohesive infrastructure across Europe, utilizing both fiber cables and satellites. However, on the ground, with today's technology, these signals can only be sent 40-80 km in a dark fiber, where the signal is completely isolated. This means that for longer distances, secure repeater stations need to be established every 40-80 km, potentially costing as much as the entire Research Network. Therefore, the EuroQCI project has started by supporting an isolated project in a limited geography in each country. Subsequently, the plan is to connect these smaller islands across borders.

DeiCs Role

DeiC's role primarily being to establish and operate the necessary fiber stretches and possibly also host some of the repeater stations. The project will span approximately the next 2½ years, and it is also the ambition to proactively engage in getting one or more fiber owners involved in the project.

In particular, we at DeiC hope to investigate to what extent quantum signals can coexist in a fiber with other signals. If successful, it could potentially significantly reduce the cost of deploying quantum-encrypted networks.