Quantum Corridor & Toshiba Demo QKD Over 21.8km US Fiber Network

Quantum Corridor, in collaboration with Toshiba International Corporation, has demonstrated the first successful implementation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over a live metropolitan fiber network connecting Illinois and Indiana.

The team validated Toshiba’s multiplexed QKD technology and Ciena’s systems to deliver continuous, secure key generation across a 21.8km segment of Quantum Corridor’s optical network. This achievement marks a critical step toward building a commercially scalable, quantum-safe internet for the United States, moving quantum-secured communication use cases out of the laboratory and into real-world deployment on existing fiber infrastructure.

Successful Quantum Key Distribution Demonstration Quantum Corridor and Toshiba successfully demonstrated Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over a live metropolitan fiber network connecting Illinois and Indiana. This achievement marks a step toward a commercially scalable, quantum-safe internet in the U.S. The experiment utilized Toshiba’s multiplexed QKD technology and Ciena systems across a 21.8km segment of the Quantum Corridor’s network, validating the potential for real-world quantum-secured communication. The system achieved secure key rates averaging 1,500 kbps, exceeding typical field expectations. These quantum-generated keys were integrated with Ciena’s encryption modules using AES-256-GCM encryption, and a fresh set of keys was obtained every 90 seconds. Notably, the FIPS 140-3 Level 2 certified solution maintained 100% line-rate throughput with zero packet loss over 48 hours, demonstrating readiness for high-availability network operations. This collaboration grew from the Chicago Quantum Exchange partnership program, aiming to accelerate quantum innovations. The pilot project used Toshiba QKD equipment on loan to the Exchange, and a University of Chicago graduate student contributed expertise. Quantum Corridor plans to expand the network to 263 miles, creating the nation’s largest quantum computing superhighway, and is a member of the Bloch Tech Hub. Quantum Corridor and Toshiba Collaboration Quantum Corridor and Toshiba successfully demonstrated Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over a live metropolitan fiber network connecting data centers in Illinois and Indiana. This achievement marks a step toward a commercially scalable, quantum-safe internet in the U.S.

The team implemented Toshiba’s multiplexed QKD technology and Ciena’s systems across a 21.8km segment of their network, validating secure key generation and high-throughput encryption. This is the first demonstration of QKD on a U.S. commercial carrier. The network achieved secure key rates averaging 1,500 kbps, exceeding typical field expectations. These quantum-generated keys integrated with Ciena’s AES-256-GCM encryption modules, obtaining a fresh set of keys every 90 seconds. The FIPS 140-3 Level 2 certified solution maintained 100% line-rate throughput and zero packet loss over 48 hours, showcasing readiness for real-world, high-availability network operations and nearly instantaneous, unhackable communications. This collaboration originated from the Chicago Quantum Exchange partnership program, aiming to accelerate quantum innovation by connecting organizations. Quantum Corridor piloted the project using Toshiba QKD equipment loaned through the Exchange, and a University of Chicago graduate student contributed to the effort. The resulting network, stretching 263 miles, is intended to become the nation’s largest quantum computing superhighway. It is extremely exciting to witness QKD deployed and functioning on a fully commercial network under real world conditions. Dr. Michael Manfra, Director of the Purdue University Quantum Science and Engineering Institute Regional Quantum Network Development Quantum Corridor and Toshiba successfully demonstrated Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over a live metropolitan fiber network spanning 21.8km from Chicago to Hammond, Indiana. This achievement utilized Toshiba’s multiplexed QKD technology and Ciena’s systems, achieving secure key rates averaging 1,500 kbps. The experiment validated the deployment of quantum-safe networking on existing infrastructure, marking a critical step toward a commercially scalable, quantum-safe internet for the United States. The system generated fresh QKD keys every 90 seconds, integrated with Ciena’s AES-256-GCM encryption within FIPS 140-3 Level 2 certified modules. Over 48 hours of continuous encrypted traffic, the network maintained 100% line-rate throughput with zero packet loss. This demonstrates the readiness of QKD for high-availability network operations, providing nearly instantaneous and unhackable quantum communications for sensitive data applications like finance, healthcare, and defense. This regional collaboration originated from the Chicago Quantum Exchange partnership program, connecting organizations to advance quantum research and development. Quantum Corridor piloted the project using Toshiba QKD equipment loaned through the Exchange, and benefited from input from a University of Chicago graduate student. The broader network, planned to span 263 miles, aims to be the nation’s largest quantum computing superhighway, supporting high-bandwidth users and institutions. Source: Headquartered in Houston, Texas, TIC provides application solutions to a wide range of industries including the energy sector, general industrial, data centers, automotive, medical and more.https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209434305/en/Quantum-Corridor-Toshiba-Demonstrate-First-Cross-State-Quantum-Key-Distribution-Over-Live-Commercial-Metro-Fiber-Network Tags: