IDQ
XGR Series – QKD Platform
Quantum key distribution designed for academia, research institutes, and innovation labs.
Open QKD platform for R&D applications.
Integrated KMS (Clarion KX) for key distribution.
User-friendly interface for technology evaluation and testing.
Interface for external encoders.
Overview
Quantum Research and Innovation
The security of current encryption methods—and especially of key exchange mechanisms based on asymmetric cryptography—is a major concern today. High-value confidential data is already at risk. In fact, the advent of quantum computers makes asymmetric key exchanges insecure: encrypted data can now be stored and easily decrypted later. Governments and companies, which must protect data for five to ten years or more, need to adopt new cryptographic solutions now.
As a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions, IDQ has developed quantum key distribution (QKD) systems that generate and distribute cryptographic keys via a demonstrably secure communication network to securely encrypt or authenticate data. Unlike conventional key distribution algorithms, QKD is the only known cryptographic technique that provides a provable secret for encryption keys, as well as long-term data confidentiality and integrity.
The XGR series is ID Quantique's fourth-generation QKD system and serves as an extension of the XG series (designed for production environments), aimed at meeting the needs of academia, research institutes, and innovation labs.
The XGR Series
The XGR series quantum key distribution platform was developed by ID Quantique to serve as a versatile research tool for academic and technology evaluation laboratories. As a result, users can experiment with different parameter settings and configurations, in both automatic and manual modes.
Secure key exchange is possible over fibers with a maximum loss of 12 dB to 18 dB (typically up to 90 kilometers) for a pair of Cerberis XGR fibers, or 24 dB (typically up to 150 kilometers) for a pair of Clavis XGR fibers, as well as over a single core using WDM. The optical platform is well documented in scientific publications and has been extensively tested and characterized.
The XGR series also integrates Clarion KX, IDQ’s quantum key management system (Q-KMS), which manages key requests and key transfers between QKD optical systems and external encoders. Key distribution to encoders or any key consumer is carried out via the secure ETSI QKD REST API or proprietary interfaces developed in partnership with leading vendors.
A comprehensive software package implements automated hardware operation and complete key distillation. The XGR series’ IDQ4P protocol (the proprietary communication protocol used for key transmission and management on the XGR platform) can transmit the filtered keys before QKD post-processing (specifically error correction) is applied. On Bob’s side, these keys correspond to the detection values, and on Alice’s side, to the Qbits that were sent for those specific detections. With the filtered keys, the user can compare the two transmissions and verify the system’s QBER.
Applications
- Research on quantum cryptography.
- A peer-to-peer system for evaluating trusted nodes.
- Education and training.
- Technology demonstrations and evaluation.