Quantum Computing Inc. and Ciena Demonstrate Quantum-Secure Communications at OFC 2026
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Insider Brief Quantum Computing Inc. and Ciena demonstrated a quantum-secured communications architecture combining QKD, post-quantum cryptography, and high-speed optical encryption at OFC 2026. The system integrates time-frequency entanglement-based quantum key distribution with classical authentication and AES-256-GCM optical encryption on Ciena’s Waveserver platform. The demonstration highlights a layered security approach designed to protect data against current cyber threats and future risks from quantum computing. PRESS RELEASE — Quantum Computing Inc. (“QCi” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: QUBT) an innovative, quantum optics and integrated photonics technology company, and Ciena (Nasdaq: CIEN) today announced a joint demonstration of next-generation quantum secure communications at OFC 2026 in the Corporate Village Booth #5355. The live demonstration showcases a comprehensive security architecture integrating quantum key distribution, quantum authentication, classical authentication, and high-performance AES-256-GCM optical encryption. The solution is designed to address both current cybersecurity threats and future risks posed by quantum computers running Shor’s algorithm by combining optical-layer encryption with quantum-secure and post-quantum cryptographic techniques. “This collaboration demonstrates how quantum-secured communications can move from theory to deployment,” said Pouya Dianat, Chief Revenue Officer of QCi. “By integrating our time-frequency entanglement-based QKD and quantum identity authentication technologies with Ciena’s high-capacity optical encryption solution, we are delivering a layered security approach built for real-world networks.” The demonstration showcases how Ciena’s Waveserver platform protects critical data at scale with optical AES-256-GCM encryption scaling up to 1.6 Tb/s that supports NIST-certified post-quantum cryptography algorithms and seamless third-party QKD system interworking using an ETSI-standard API. “For businesses and network operators handling sensitive data, the shift towards quantum-safe communications has already begun,” said Paulina Gomez, Senior Advisor, Portfolio Marketing at Ciena. “Our easy-to-deploy solution delivers high-speed quantum-safe communications straight out of the box, without impacting performance, to protect critical in-flight data today while preparing for the quantum future. Collaborating with QCi demonstrates how our commercially available optical encryption can be deployed in real-world network environments with QKD technology to quantum-secure communication channels against even the most advanced threats.” QCi’s system features a time-frequency entanglement-based QKD architecture using telecom-band photons for enhanced deployment stability. The solution can be augmented with Quantum Identity Authentication using Quantum Zero Knowledge Proof (QZEK-P), a hardware-based implementation of QCi’s proprietary technology recognized with the 2023 Edison Patent Award. The demonstration will be held in the Corporate Village at Booth #5355 and will require prior approval for viewing.
Mohib Ur Rehman LinkedIn Mohib has been tech-savvy since his teens, always tearing things apart to see how they worked. His curiosity for cybersecurity and privacy evolved from tinkering with code and hardware to writing about the hidden layers of digital life. Now, he brings that same analytical curiosity to quantum technologies, exploring how they will shape the next frontier of computing. Share this article: