Metro eQKD

The Solution

Metro eQKD
(High Key Rate)

zerothird’s Metro eQKD connects critical locations within a city—typically over distances of 10 to 50 km—with ultra-secure quantum links and exceptionally high key rates. This enables either the simultaneous use of secure keys by numerous stakeholders or rapid, frequent key exchanges, making it ideal for safeguarding business-critical and mission-critical communications in urban environments.

The system supports secure short-distance point-to-point connections, such as between data centers and their backups, at speeds of 1 Mbit/s and above (using wavelength multiplexing). It also provides the bandwidth needed for demanding scenarios like key relays in multi-user daisy chain configurations, where encryption of relay traffic significantly increases key consumption.

By combining unmatched efficiency, scalability, and quantum-grade protection, zerothird delivers a future-ready solution for critical infrastructure. Metro eQKD ensures maximum security without compromising performance—closing the door on hackers and future-proofing communication systems against even the most advanced threats.

In a 5-user daisy chain configuration, if every user wants to be able to securely communicate with every other one (blue arrows), especially the central nodes relay much more than just their own communication. With zerothird’s high-speed eQKD solution, even the manifold bandwidth requirements for long-distance daisy chains can be covered.

QKD SPECIFICATIONS

Protocol

BBM92 (entanglement based), discrete-variable (DV) QKD

Source intrinsic QBER

< 0.5%

QBER During Operation

optimized for maximum key rate

Secure key rate

120 kbit/s @ 10 km (2dB channel attenuation)
20 kbit/s @ 50 km (10dB channel attenuation)

Quantum channel

dedicated dark fiber (provided by customer)

Quantum channel length

system optimized for ~10-75 km

Central wavelength

1560 nm, ITU grid

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Power supply / consumption

230 V ± 5%; < 4 kW (complete system)

Mechanical system

19’’ modular sub-rack systems
1x entangled photon pair source
2x detection unit with SNSPD
2x secure key generation hardware units

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should quantum threats impact my compliance strategy?

Quantum computing poses a direct threat to current cryptographic protocols mandated by regulatory bodies. Compliance standards increasingly require quantum-resistant measures, making proactive quantum-readiness essential to avoid regulatory risk and financial penalties.

How does zerothird’s consulting service mitigate quantum risks?

Our consulting team assesses your existing infrastructure, identifies quantum vulnerabilities, and provides clear, actionable roadmaps. We help implement quantum-safe practices, ensuring your compliance strategy meets future regulatory and security demands.

Is quantum compliance relevant today, or is it a future issue?

Quantum compliance is a current issue because encrypted data intercepted today can be stored and decrypted by future quantum systems. Immediate action ensures current compliance and safeguards sensitive data against future decryption risks.

What industries benefit most from quantum compliance consulting?

Highly regulated sectors, including finance, healthcare, government, telecom, defense, and critical infrastructure, particularly benefit from quantum consulting, as they face significant compliance and operational risks from quantum threats.

What does a typical quantum compliance engagement include?

An engagement typically involves a quantum vulnerability assessment, regulatory impact analysis, development of a quantum-readiness strategy, detailed recommendations, implementation support, and ongoing risk management consulting tailored to your specific regulatory environment.

METRO eQKD