W. Cyrus Proctor

This work reports on the development, deployment, and continuous field operation of a federated trusted node quantum network in service to a separate, quantum-resistant classical network. In this demonstration, we developed the infrastructure needed to connect commercial off-the-shelf quantum key distribution (QKD) systems into a four-site, multi-vendor mesh network shared by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Verizon Communications in the Boston metropolitan area. Encrypted network links leverage QKD-enabled protocol suites, including IPsec and MACsec with data transfer rates up to 100 Gbps connecting on-premises locations to the cloud edge via the AWS Direct Connect service. Detailed health and performance monitoring data gathered over half a year allow for gap analysis with today’s current commercial quantum network technologies. Coupled with symmetric encryption key demand forecasts, this sets the foundation for defining the paths forward to meet carrier-grade network redundancy and resilience requirements.