Global momentum is growing for quantum-safe communications, which are transitioning from theory to practical deployments
REDIMadrid, the high-speed research and education network serving the Community of Madrid and managed by the IMDEA Software Institute, has teamed up with Ciena to launch its End-to-End Quantum Secure Data Transport Project. This collaboration another milestone in the deployment of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology using existing fibre infrastructure.
REDIMadrid provides high-performance connectivity to universities and research institutions across Madrid, offering links up to 10 Gbps, with experimental nodes reaching up to 100 Gbps. Its mission includes innovating secure, scalable network infrastructure for research and education.
The project employs Ciena’s 6500 photonic line system, enabling a quantum channel to run alongside Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) traffic on the same fibre – no dedicated fibre is required, yet spectral isolation ensures secure co-propagation of the quantum channel in the C-band alongside regular data. This facilitates both future-proof security and efficient use of existing fibre resources.
“This collaboration demonstrates how we can help our customers stay ahead of the threats posed by quantum computing to today’s cryptography; whether it’s using our proven photonic line systems to eliminate the need for additional fiber to carry the quantum channel, or by using our Waveserver 5 optical encryption solutions that are designed to interwork with any QKD system and to support Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms,” said Ciena senior product marketing advisor Paulina Gomez.
David Rincón, chief network engineer at REDIMadrid (IMDEA Software), added: “Working alongside Ciena, we are confident that this effort will pave the way for widespread adoption of quantum-secure networks, while strengthening the capabilities and reliability of REDIMadrid’s infrastructure in the MadQCI network. This represents a significant milestone in the advancement of quantum-secure data transport. By integrating Quantum Key Distribution technology with optical infrastructure, we are taking a crucial step toward building next-generation networks that are not only more secure, but also highly scalable and resilient.”
Ciena and REDIMadrid are working with Axians, a specialist in digital and network infrastructures, to ensure a seamless implementation process.
Global momentum for QKD
This initiative reflects a broader global push toward embedding quantum-safe communications within existing optical infrastructure. In July 2025, PacketLight Networks and NEC successfully demonstrated QKD alongside a 400 G DWDM link in Japan. They employed a dual-fibre setup: the QKD signals were sent over a dedicated, parallel fibre, achieving full throughput and ultra-low latency while maintaining separation from the main data channel. This cost-effective, scalable model shows how quantum-safe communications can be laid on top of live networks with minimal disruption.
On 28 July 2025, NEC, Toshiba and Japan’s NICT (National Institute of Information and Communications Technology) jointly achieved a world-first: successful multiplexing of QKD signals of two differing types over a high-capacity photonic Open APN (All-Photonics Network) developed under the IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) framework. Crucially, this experiment demonstrated the co-existence of QKD and high-speed data communication over shared network infrastructure – without requiring new dedicated fibres – significantly lowering the cost and complexity of deploying QKD across nationwide, carrier-grade networks.
Meanwhile in France, Orange Business and Toshiba Europe introduced Orange Quantum Defender – the first commercial quantum-safe network service in the country. Available in the Paris region, this service combines hardware-based QKD and software-based Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), using existing Orange fibre to protect against “store now, decrypt later” threats.
