PacketLight adds quantum encryption to PL-4000x via ID Quantique

Nov. 18, 2021

The addition of IDQ’s QRNG chip, which generates quantum encryption keys, now enables higher levels of security, says PacketLight.

Stephen Hardy

PacketLight Networks PL4000x platforms now feature quantum security features based on ID Quantique's QRNG quantum random number generator chip.

Optical transport systems vendor PacketLight Networks says it has collaborated with quantum security specialist ID Quantique (IDQ). The result is the addition of IDQ’s QRNG (quantum random number generator) chip to upgrade the security capabilities of PacketLight’s PL-4000x line for 400G metro and 200G long-haul applications as well as data center interconnect.

PL-4000x systems with the quantum capabilities include the PL-4000M 400-Gbps muxponder and PL-4000T 1.6-Tbps transponder/muxponder. Both are 1U modular platforms with integrated mux/demux, amplifiers, and optical switch. They offer embedded Layer-1 GCM-AES-256 encryption using elliptic curve Diffie-Hellman key exchange. However, the addition of IDQ’s QRNG chip, which generates quantum encryption keys, now enables higher levels of security, says PacketLight. IDQ’s QRNG chips are designed to generate keys with provably unbiased and unpredictable randomness with high entropy from the first bit, from the shot noise of a light source captured by a CMOS image sensor. The technology is patented. PacketLight says it is able to add the chip while consuming minimal board space and additional power.

“Data security has become the most important aspect in data center connectivity over fiber and DWDM networks,” said Koby Reshef, CEO of PacketLight Networks. “Partnering with IDQ allows us to enhance our encryption solution and comply with the FIPS and CC requirements for randomity of keys generation.”

“We are delighted to see that PacketLight has made the move to incorporate this technology (QRNG) to better serve their end-customer and to bring security to a new level,” added Grégoire Ribordy, CEO and co-founder of IDQ. “Generating strong keys from a reliable entropy source is the cornerstone of any security system.”

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.