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Quantum Computing Inc. and Ciena · 15 March 2026

Quantum-secured communications architecture

Live demonstration of a security architecture integrating quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum authentication, and high-performance AES-256-GCM optical encryption.

PASSquantum computingconfidence: high

Search window: 2026-03-05 → 2026-08-31Record: 20260831_212511_quantum-computing.json

Why it matters

This milestone demonstrates the practical convergence of quantum security (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with existing high-speed optical networking infrastructure (Ciena Waveserver), marking a step toward preparing real-world networks for the quantum era.

Verified claims

Integrated quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum authentication, and classical authentication with AES-256-GCM optical encryption into a single architecture.

Demonstration of high-capacity optical encryption scaling up to 1.6 Tb/s.

encryption_throughput: 1.6 Tb/s

Limitations

The event was a live demonstration at a trade show (OFC 2026), representing a prototype/demonstration phase rather than widespread operational deployment.
The technology relies on the availability and interoperability of third-party QKD systems via an ETSI-standard API.

Sources

Quantum Computing Inc. and Ciena Demonstrate Next-Generation Quantum-Secured Communications with High-Speed Encryption using PQC and QKD at OFC 2026Quantum Computing Inc. · 2026-03-11 · primary

Quantum Computing Inc. and Ciena Demonstrate Next-Generation Quantum-Secured Communications with High-Speed Encryption using PQC and QKD at OFC 2026Ciena · 2026-03-11 · primary