"Secure Optical Data Communication Using Quantum Cryptography and Li-Fi"

Due to their immense computing capability, quantum computers could undermine today's data encryption systems. Therefore, several partners, led by KEEQuant GmbH, are developing a new way to secure optical data transmission in wireless networks using light and quantum keys. The project called "QuINSiDa - Quantum-based Infrastructure Networks for Safety-critical Wireless Data Communication" is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research BMBF. Prior research has focused on secure long-distance data communication for applications in the global data infrastructure. Li-Fi technology enables users to network over short distances through optical signals. It allows complete use of the available spectral data bandwidth in an area without interference from outside. The novel technology of quantum cryptography is advancing worldwide. It involves Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) where a cryptographic key is distributed, the security of which can be proven from an information-theoretic point of view. In QKD, when keys are created, quantum states in the form of light are prepared and exchanged between network participants. When the quantum states are received, they are measured and post-processed to generate keys identical on both sides but hidden from an attacker. The QuINSiDa project is the first to combine the two technologies to create a QKD over Li-Fi system. According to Imran Khan, Managing Director of KEEQuant GmbH, the purpose of the project is to demonstrate a quantum-based data communication network that wirelessly and flexibly connects multiple end users to a secure backbone infrastructure or that can be deployed independently as a secure campus network. The researchers want to use a flexible wireless data communication network in a point-to-multipoint scenario to simultaneously protect individual communication channels on the basis of quantum keys. This article continues to discuss the QuINSiDa project that links Li-Fi technology and quantum cryptography. 

Microwave Journal reports "Secure Optical Data Communication Using Quantum Cryptography and Li-Fi"