Quantum computers are both a blessing and a curse. They can help to massively increase the computing power. But they can also pose a threat to security-relevant systems if the technology falls into the wrong hands. Scientists from the Cyber Defense Research Institute (CODE) at the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Neubiberg are therefore working on setting up a quantum-secure communication network. A first section of the necessary infrastructure made of fiber optic cables has now been put into operation between the research institute CODE, which is located in Neuperlach, and the university campus in Neubiberg, as the university reports.
The project “MuQuaNet – the quantum Internet in the greater Munich area” is about a test network for research purposes that will serve as a blueprint for building customized, highly secure communication networks in the future.
In the digitized world, the computing steps required are increasing continuously. The need for powerful computers is growing. Quantum computers can help with this. These enable computing power that far exceeds that of conventional computers, and they also do this in much less time. This also applies to the secure encryption of data.
Quantum computers are at the beginning of their development. They are highly complex and use the laws of modern physics to solve arithmetic problems with novel methods. Because of this technology, they can efficiently solve and break encryption methods for secure data transfers and communication – they are based on mathematical problems, as the university reports. Quantum computers therefore not only represent an opportunity, but also a threat, for example for authorities or secret services that manage sensitive data and secretly exchange it.
The project aims to establish the first quantum-secure network in the greater Munich area. The so-called quantum key distribution is used. This uses the physics of quantum mechanics to exchange tap-proof, secret keys. It makes it possible to counter the threat posed by possible attacks by quantum computers. Since, according to the university, it is important to test under real conditions, the locations of the project partners involved are networked with one another. After the section, which is now in operation, further routes will follow, for example to the Central Office for Information Technology in the Security Sector (Zitis), the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich and the German Aerospace Center.
The secure network will be made available to other research institutions, authorities and military agencies in the course of the process. The project is funded by the Bundeswehr Center for Digitization and Technology Research.