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After three years, the Q-net-Q research consortium, led by Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and involving the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF, the Fraunhofer Institute HHI (Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute) and other partners, has demonstrated the successful implementation of a quantum infrastructure in real-world operation. Several aspects of a QKD-secured network were demonstrated during a final presentation.
At the Sundhausen health kiosk, the functionality of a 150 km long regional test track was demonstrated, which was connected to a long-distance connection stretching over 680 km from Berlin via Erfurt to Frankfurt am Main. The project validates the integration of quantum key distribution (QKD) into existing ICT networks to secure highly sensitive data transmissions.
The project, co-financed with €11.8 million by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and the European Union (EFRE), proves the operational readiness of QKD systems outside controlled laboratory conditions. "With the completion of Q-net-Q, we are demonstrating the successful transfer of high physical technology into the regional supply infrastructure. The Sundhausen site serves as a real-world laboratory for digital sovereignty in rural areas," says Prof. Dr. Jörg Wagner, President of Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences.
The health kiosk: where high technology meets social innovation
It is no coincidence that the Sundhausen health kiosk was chosen for the final presentation. Health kiosks form an important backbone of future regional healthcare by offering medical advice and telemedicine services in areas where general practitioner capacities are becoming scarce. The health kiosk served as an operational interface in the project to demonstrate that the highly complex quantum highway can ensure the protection of patient data in everyday life.
Live demonstration: The telemedicine practice check
The practical application was demonstrated using a realistic teleconsultation between Sundhausen and Jena. An eHealth system (MEYTEC) was used in the health kiosk to record vital parameters such as pulse and oxygen saturation. This highly sensitive data was encrypted via a quantum access point and transmitted in real time. In Jena, Dr. Albrecht Günther, senior physician at Jena University Hospital, analyzed the incoming values via a tablet solution, demonstrating the seamless integration of security technology into the medical workflow.
Four test beds for European security architecture
The research work of the Q-net-Q consortium focused on four different test environments (test beds). In addition to the regional connection in Sundhausen, the consortium evaluated the performance of key generation on a large-scale wide area network connection: This extends from the DE-CIX Internet node in Frankfurt am Main via Erfurt to Berlin and comprises over 680 km of quantum-secured fiber optic connection. The Fraunhofer Center in Erfurt, headed by Fraunhofer IOF, forms the common hub for these connections.
"The Erfurt site served as a mission-critical central hub for controlling classic communication and hardware control of all four test beds," explains Dr. Natasa Pavlovic Tucakovic from Fraunhofer IOF. The use of software-defined networking (SDN) also enabled multi-vendor validation – the technological coupling of hardware from different manufacturers within a single system.
Fraunhofer IOF strengthens quantum infrastructure in Thuringia
“With the technological developments in the Q-net-Q project, we are meeting the challenges of rural fiber optic networks and long-distance quantum communication between Frankfurt and Berlin.," continues Dr. Pavlovic Tucakovic. " Our team at Fraunhofer IOF developed specialized polarization compensation systems and analysis modules (PAMs) that stabilize the quantum keys against rapid environmental influences and integrated highly-efficient single-photon detectors with ultra-high timing resolution. In future application, a self-developed entangled photon source (EPS) can enable a seamless 150 km connection such as between Jena and Sundhausen with only a single source, which will significantly simplify the network architecture. "
Strong alliance between science and practice
The success of Q-net-Q is based on the close cooperation of a nationwide consortium. As consortium leader, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences was responsible for strategic management and transfer to the region. The Fraunhofer Institutes HHI (Berlin) and IOF (Jena) contributed their expertise in quantum detector technology, optical systems, and the construction of a comprehensive communications network with a focus on smooth collaboration between multiple data centers. The Technical Universities of Berlin (TUB) and Munich (TUM) as well as the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) developed the necessary system architecture and security software. As the central medical application partner, the University Hospital Jena (UKJ) enabled the clinical validation of the technology under real conditions. The internet node operator DE-CIX supported the project as a partner to test its integration into global network structures. The photonic quantum source used for the demonstration is a system from Quantum Optics Jena GmbH.
About Fraunhofer IOF
The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena conducts application-oriented research in the field of photonics and develops innovative optical systems for controlling light - from its generation and manipulation to its application. The institute's range of services covers the entire photonic process chain from opto-mechanical and opto-electronic system design to the production of customer-specific solutions and prototypes. At Fraunhofer IOF, about 500 employees work on the annual research volume of 40 million euros.
Further information available at: http://www.iof.fraunhofer.de
About Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences
Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences stands for practical teaching, application-oriented research, and social responsibility. As a modern university of applied sciences, it combines innovative research projects with concrete solutions for business, the environment, and social issues. In close cooperation with regional and national partners, forward-looking projects with direct practical relevance are developed. Students and researchers work on an interdisciplinary basis on topics such as sustainability, digitalization, and healthcare—with a clear focus on transfer and social added value. With its strong profile in research and practice, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences makes a sustainable contribution to regional development and to overcoming current social challenges.
Further information available at: http://www.hs-nordhausen.de
About Fraunhofer HHI
Fraunhofer HHI (Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute) is a world-leading research institute that is helping to shape the digital future. It drives innovation in the fields of video, AI, computer vision, photonics, and wireless communications – with technologies that have a significant impact on science, business, and society. Fraunhofer HHI develops practical solutions with social added value for a wide range of applications, including medicine, agriculture, critical infrastructures, disaster control, energy, mobility, and more.
Further information available at: http://www.hhi.fraunhofer.de
Dr. Natasa Pavlovic Tucakovic
Fraunhofer IOF
Photonics Quantum Systems Department
Phone +49 (0) 3641 807- 572
Email natasa.pavlovic.tucakovic@iof.fraunhofer.de
Schematic representation of the test tracks.
Copyright: Fraunhofer IOF
Representatives of the Q-net-Q consortium in front of the health kiosk in Sundhausen.
Quelle: Tina Bergknapp
Copyright: Hochschule Nordhausen
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