At the starting line the project QUID (Quantum Italy Deployment), the Italian implementation of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), promoted by the European Commission with the aim of creating a European infrastructure for quantum communication. Objective of the project, led by a consortium of which it is also part the Italian Space Agencyis that of expand the existing communication infrastructure, optical fiber and satellite, and extend the quantum communication network to the entire north-east of Italy.
QUID project, how it works
Using the laws of quantum mechanics QUID will ensure secure communications through the cryptographic quantum key exchange (Quantum Key Distribution), used both to decrypt the message sent through a traditional channel, and to alert in the event of third-party attacks.
An unassailable encryption system that will allow the sender and recipient of the communication to have the absolute certainty that the message cannot be intercepted. At the same time, QUID promotes the development of Italian companies that produce systems and services for quantum communication to different categories of users.
The project will carry out service activity through it development of metropolitan networks of quantum communication, connected to each other through an infrastructure that covers the Italian territory, the Italian Quantum Backbone. This infrastructure distributes, with unprecedented stability and accuracy, time and sample rate signals, using commercial fiber optics.
In every metropolitan quantum communication network, key exchanges will be carried out, such as in hospitals, banks and universities, using quantum cryptographic key distribution systems.
QUID project, the use of optical fiber
Through the optic fiber it is possible to distribute the communication up to a radius of 20 kilometers. Distances greater than the metropolitan ones will be covered using secure nodes (trusted nodes) or through innovative Twin-Field techniques which, exploiting the principles of quantum mechanics, are able to replicate the key without reading it, thus preserving the message. In this case, the communication can be sent using untrusted nodes that can cover distances of up to 200 kilometres.
Using discrete variable QKD systems; QUID will unite important sites for the connection between the optical fiber communication and the space segment of the European QCI. Alongside these infrastructural activities, QUID pays great attention to the development of methods for the optimal delivery of quantum communication services. Finally, the project leaves room for the development of innovative techniques for increasing the transmission frequency, for the use of new types of optical fibers and for air transmission.
Spaceship In Outer Space. Realistic 3D Scene.
The involvement of leading Italian companies in the sector
The QUID consortium brings together the leading Italian companies in the sectorthe main research institutes involved in quantum communication, both for the earth segment and for the space segment, and the universities involved in innovation and training.
Companies that manufacture quantum cryptographic key distribution devices, manage telecommunications networks and both terrestrial and space-based services, and offer integrated information security solutions that will allow quantum key distribution systems to be easily connected in communication networks nationwide.
Availability
The QUID project includes the trafficking of Rome, Padua, Trento and Triestewhich will be added to the already existing one which includes Turin, Milan Bologna, Florence Naples and Matera.