Colt and Ciena complete quantum-safe transatlantic data transmission trial

Colt Technology Services and Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) completed a quantum-safe data transmission trial across a 6,900-kilometer route between New York and London. The trial transmitted data at an 800 gigabit Ethernet service rate using Ciena's WaveLogic 6 Extreme encryption solution across Colt's subsea and terrestrial network infrastructure.

The transmission used post-quantum cryptography algorithms compliant with National Institute of Standards and Technology standards. These encryption methods are designed to protect against future quantum computing threats that could break traditional encryption as early as 2030, according to the companies' statement.

The trial operated at 800GbE speeds, which the companies noted exceeds the 100GbE or 400GbE rates commonly deployed in current long-haul and subsea systems. The encryption solution ran on Ciena's Waveserver platform.

"This trial marks a significant step forward in protecting the world's data as it moves across continents," said Buddy Bayer, chief operating officer at Colt Technology Services.

Dino DiPerna, senior vice president of Global Research and Development at Ciena, stated the trial demonstrates how post-quantum cryptography can protect high-speed services over long-haul and submarine networks.

Following the trial, Colt plans to offer quantum-safe services including Post-Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Key Distribution, Symmetric Key Infrastructure, and hybrid models across terrestrial and subsea networks. The companies previously announced completing a 1.2 terabit per second wavelength transmission across the Atlantic Ocean in November 2024.

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