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GCRI · Quantentechnologien

Quantenkommunikation

Quantum communications use quantum states of light to distribute encryption keys with security rooted in physics, and in future to link quantum computers and sensors in networks. Quantum key distribution works over limited distances and needs dedicated hardware and trusted nodes today. This page sets out how quantum communications work, what they can and cannot secure, and what evidence serves the network operators and security agencies weighing them.

02Die Frage

Quantum communications: how the risk develops.

Communications research and deployment limits. The dossier below sets out how the risk develops, what is measured, where the data come from, how it is modelled and who decides.

Mechanismus

Measurement reveals eavesdropping

In quantum key distribution, measuring a quantum state disturbs it, so an eavesdropper introduces detectable errors. Keys are kept only when error rates are low.

Mechanismus

Distance is limited by loss

Photons are lost in fibre, limiting direct links. Longer networks use trusted relay nodes or satellites, each with security implications.

Mechanismus

Implementations can be attacked

Real devices deviate from ideal theory. Side-channel attacks on detectors and sources have been demonstrated, so security depends on implementation and certification.

Mechanismus

Quantum networks are early

Distributing entanglement between distant nodes needs quantum repeaters and memories, which are still in research.

03Monitoring

Tracker der Post-Quanten-Migration.

Die Ansicht, die ein Team nutzen würde, um dieses Thema zu verfolgen: seine Messgrößen, Zustände und Entscheidungen. Namen sind Beispiele, Werte sind illustrativ.

Tracker der Post-Quanten-Migration

Quantum communications · Crypto inventory · Wave 2

Langlebige Daten gefährdetGCRI · Quantentechnologien

Migration

  1. Bestandalle Kryptografie
  2. PriorisierenDatenlebensdauer
  3. AuswählenStandardalgorithmen
  4. Hybrider Einsatzklassisch und PQC
  5. TestenInteroperabilität
  6. Umschaltenaußer Betrieb nehmen

Systeme nach Priorität

ArchivsignierungRSA-204828ML-DSA hybridPilotierung
VPN-GatewayECDH9ML-KEM hybridGeplant
Zahlungs-HSMRSA-307211Anbieter-RoadmapBlockiert
Web-TLSECDHE2Hybrider SchlüsselaustauschErledigt

Fortschritt

Inventarisiert, %70 of 100 requiredHybrid eingesetzt, %36 of 50 requiredAußer Betrieb, %2 of 25 required
Post-quantum migration tracker: the screen’s structure, terms and states for Quantum communications.Beispielnamen und beispielhafte Werte; ein Entwurf, kein Eintrag und kein Live-System.
04Domänenübergreifend

Quantum communication touches the networks domains depend on.

Communication studies are designed for the Reihe Exponential Technology. Standards work sits in ETSI’s QKD group and the ITU-T Y.3800 series; several national security agencies prefer post-quantum cryptography to QKD for most uses.

  • Network trial reports.
  • Security analyses of QKD implementations.
05Methoden und Evidenz

How quantum communications is modelled, measured and tested.

Das Modell, seine Annahmen, seine Daten und seine Unsicherheit in der Form, in der eine Wissenschaftlerin oder ein Ingenieur sie prüfen würde. Die Strukturen folgen veröffentlichten Methoden. Die dargestellten Werte sind illustrativ, keine Befunde.

Systemmodell

The couplings between the systems in quantum communications: signs of influence, a reinforcing and a balancing loop, and cross-links where stress jumps.

++−+QuantenCyberGemeinschaftenWirtschaftR verstärkendB ausgleichend
Causal loop diagram from the page’s systems; signs show the direction of influence. Illustrative structure for a system dynamics or network model, not estimated couplings.
FAIR-Leitprinzipien · GO FAIR und FORCE11W3C PROV · World Wide Web ConsortiumHinweise zur einheitlichen Behandlung von Unsicherheiten · IPCCCEOS Analysis Ready Data · Committee on Earth Observation Satellites
06Indikatoren

Was gemessen wird und wie gut.

Jeder Indikator trägt seine Einheit, seinen Rhythmus, die Art der zugrunde liegenden Quelle und die Evidenzkennzeichnung, die ein Wert tragen würde. Es werden keine Werte gezeigt: Ein Programm liefert sie unter seiner eigenen Autorität.

IndikatorEinheitTaktQuellentypKennzeichnung
QKD link distancekilometresper demonstrationPublished experimentsBERICHTET
Secret key ratebits per second at a stated distanceper demonstrationPublished experimentsBERICHTET
Deployed QKD network nodesAnzahljährlichOperator and government reportsBERICHTET
Security evaluations completed for QKD productsAnzahljährlichEvaluation scheme recordsVeröffentlichte Statistiken
Quantum memory storage timemillisecondsper experimentPeer-reviewed resultsBEOBACHTET
Satellite QKD demonstrationsAnzahljährlichAgency reportsBERICHTET
07Quellen

Woher die Evidenz stammt.

Benannte öffentliche Datensätze und institutionelle Aufzeichnungen, jeweils mit ihrer Lizenzklasse. Quellen auf Vereinbarungsbasis werden nur zu ihren Bedingungen genutzt und niemals weiterveröffentlicht.

QuelleWas es liefertLizenzklasse
ETSI ISG QKD specificationsComponent, interface and security specificationsPublic, ETSI terms
ITU-T-Reihe Y.3800Network recommendations for QKDPublic, ITU terms
National cyber agency positions on QKDAgency views on QKD versus post-quantum cryptographyPublic, terms per agency
EuroQCI programme documentationEuropean quantum communication infrastructure plansPublic, EU terms
Peer-reviewed quantum communication literatureExperimental resultsLicence per article
08Entscheidungen

Wer entscheidet und wozu die Evidenz dient.

Quantum Technologies prepares evidence. The decisions below are taken by the authorities named, under their own rules, and never by the platform.

Wer entscheidetDie FrageEvidenz, der diese Seite dient
Network operatorsWhether QKD fits any of their links and threat modelsUse comparisons; architecture reviews
National cyber agenciesWhat position to take on QKD for government useImplementation security evidence
ForschungsfördererHow to fund quantum network researchProgress on memories and repeaters

Ergebnisse, die dieses Thema hervorbringt

  • Comparisons of QKD and post-quantum cryptography for specific uses
  • Network architecture reviews including trusted nodes
  • Summaries of implementation security evidence
  • Evidence notes for operators
09Kernfragen

Was Fachleute fragen.

Communications questions weigh physical security against practical limits.

  • What security does quantum key distribution actually provide, and under what assumptions?
  • How far can quantum signals travel through fibre or free space before they are lost?
  • Do trusted relay nodes undermine end-to-end security?
  • How do implementation flaws in real devices open side channels?
  • How does quantum key distribution compare with post-quantum cryptography for a given use?
10Mechanismen

Mechanismen und Treiber.

Quantum key distribution relies on the principle that measuring a quantum state disturbs it, so two parties can detect an eavesdropper and agree a secret key. The security of the ideal protocol rests on physics rather than on assumptions about computational difficulty. Real Systeme, however, use imperfect sources and detectors, and several attacks have exploited those imperfections.

Photons are absorbed and scattered in fibre, which limits direct links to relatively short distances. Longer networks currently rely on trusted nodes, where the key is held in classical form and must be protected conventionally. Quantum repeaters, which would extend range without trusted nodes, remain a research goal. Satellites have been used to demonstrate links over long distances.

11Methoden und Daten

Wie es untersucht wird und wo die Methoden enden.

Methode oder DatenWas es zeigtGrenzen
Security proofsTheoretical security of protocolsProofs assume idealised devices
Implementation testing and quantum hacking researchVulnerabilities in real equipmentTesting cannot prove the absence of flaws
Network trialsPerformance, key rates and operationsTrials are limited in scale and duration
Comparative security assessmentWhen quantum or post-quantum approaches fitDepends on threat model and system constraints
12Methoden

Wie es untersucht wird und was die Methoden nicht sagen können.

  1. Quantencomputing, -sensorik und -kommunikationVergleichbares Benchmarking · Bewertung des Technologiereifegrads · Verfolgung sicherheitsrelevanter AuswirkungenHier angewandt
  2. Physik und QuantenwissenschaftCharakterisierung von Qubit-Rauschen · Metrologie von Quantenuhren · Verifizierung von QuanteneffektenHier angewandt
  3. Cybersicherheit und KryptografieKryptografisches Inventar · Priorisierung der Migration · Prüfung der QKD-ImplementierungHier angewandt
13Where this page’s references

Where this page’s references lead.

Die Gremien und Dokumente, vor deren Hintergrund diese Seite gelesen wird. Status und Ausgaben ändern sich; jeder Link führt zur herausgebenden Stelle.

14Fragen

Fragen und Antworten.

What is quantum key distribution?
A method of generating shared encryption keys using quantum states of light, where any eavesdropping introduces detectable errors.
Is QKD unbreakable?
Its theory offers strong guarantees, but real devices have imperfections that have been attacked. Security depends on implementation, evaluation and the trusted nodes used.
Should organisations use QKD or post-quantum cryptography?
Several national agencies recommend post-quantum cryptography for most uses. QKD may suit specific links. The choice depends on threat model and agency guidance.
Is quantum key distribution unbreakable?
The ideal protocol is secure under the laws of physics, but real systems have imperfections, and trusted nodes and authentication still rely on conventional security. Unbreakable is not an accurate description of deployed systems.
Does quantum communication replace post-quantum cryptography?
No. They address different needs. Many security authorities treat post-quantum cryptography as the primary migration route, with quantum key distribution suited to specific use cases.
What is a quantum internet?
A proposed network that would distribute entanglement between distant quantum devices. It remains a long-term research goal.
BerichteBeitragen

Evidenz von dieser Seite aus beitragen.

Berichte is the Consortium’s quarterly publication. What you know about this subject can become evidence, a case or a correction in the next edition, credited to you and published under CC BY 4.0 where it is your own work.

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Quantentechnologien

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