QKD

The Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) project is a part of the Digital Engineering Technology and Innovation (DETI) programme. The UK-first project, in collaboration with BT and Toshiba Europe Limited, saw the UK’s first industrial deployment of a quantum-secure network transmitting between CFMS’ on-site data centre and the NCC.

This 2-month trial offered a realistic environment test-bed for BT and Toshiba to test their prototype, whilst allowing CFMS and the NCC to securely transmit confidential data, using BT Openreach’s “standard” fibre optic infrastructure.

With super-secure data transmission crucial for design and manufacturing sectors, QKD was identified as one of the solutions to secure communications, but its suitability for real-world manufacturing applications had previously been largely untested.

CFMS is at the forefront of advancing digital engineering, deploying technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins that rely on seamless data transmission. The QKD allowed for the NCC to access CFMS’ engineering and computing services through the link as well as securely transmit sensitive manufacturing Internet of Things (IoT) data. During the experiment, CFMS was able to host the data capture, processing and storage for the IoT data which was transmitted from the NCC.

QKD for secure Inter-Site Connectivity

Additionally throughout the project, CFMS provided BT and Toshiba with a reliable and secure remote connection to the environment hosting the QKD equipment for remote monitoring and maintenance for their experiment.

If you would like to know more about the digital engineering or computing capabilities CFMS used to support the Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) project as a part of the Digital Engineering Technology & Innovation (DETI) programme, read our case study or simply contact our team of experts.

Case study