Switzerland’s Quantum-resistant Network by IonQ, and Cisco
IonQ, Cisco, and ID Quantique Launch Switzerland's First Quantum-Resistant Network
ID Quantique (IDQ), a subsidiary of IonQ and a prominent quantum technology firm, has launched Switzerland's first quantum-resistant network connection. Cisco, a networking and security leader, helped. This groundbreaking project with the Canton of Geneva links two Swiss data centres utilising quantum-resistant cables. This innovation safeguards key infrastructure from quantum computing and cybersecurity assaults.
Addressing Quantum Threat
The initiative was started to reduce the security risks of quantum computing. The Elliptic-Curve Cryptography (ECC) and Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) encryption schemes are vulnerable to quantum computer attacks. The new network aims to avoid the “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL)” danger scenario, in which quantum computers can decrypt data acquired and stored today. This threat motivates corporations, financial organisations, hospitals, and public services to adopt “post-quantum” infrastructures.
A Safe Quantum Infrastructure
Modern Swiss technology with a quantum-resistant solution enhances Geneva's network. The infrastructure is built on Cisco Nexus 9000 series data centre switches running Linux-based Cisco NX-OS. These switches were upgraded to use hardware-accelerated MACsec for Layer 2 encryption for quantum-resistant security.
Cisco's Secure Key Integration Protocol (SKIP) and ID Quantique's Solteris Network Appliance feature quantum resistance. This special IDQ-designed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology integrates Cisco Nexus 9000 encryption effortlessly. Technological synergy can distribute symmetric encryption keys out-of-band, making them quantum-resistant.
Solteris Network Appliance has many advantages:
It allows post-quantum standardised symmetric key distribution for verified security.
SKIP-capable direct integration with Cisco NX-OS ensures infrastructure compatibility.
The modular architecture of NX-OS separates key distribution and production from the encryption layer, promoting crypto-agility. This lets algorithms be improved without hardware changes. The Solteris system also uses a NIST-approved quantum random number generator (QRNG) for post-quantum cryptography's high entropy. IDQ's Clarion KX key management software distributes out-of-band keys safely in the present IT context.
Frontrunner in security readiness
This innovative technique shows how well-known IT organisations may adapt basic technologies to satisfy new security concerns without losing functionality or investment.
ID Quantique CEO and co-founder Grégoire Ribordy remarked, “ID Quantique is proud to support this first step towards a national post-quantum infrastructure in Switzerland.” Solteris offers a proven quantum issue solution.
Garif Yalak, Cisco Switzerland CDA Lead, said quantum security is a significant concern, and Swiss companies are already benefiting from quantum technologies. Mr. Yalak added, “Cisco natively integrates the SKIP protocol into their switching infrastructure and provides wire-speed encryption to achieve quantum resistance while maintaining performance.
The program standardizes quantum-aware security frameworks in public services, healthcare, and finance. Switzerland is leading the way in quantum-secure infrastructure innovation and post-quantum security preparation with this alliance, which combines quantum-safe cryptography with proven networking solutions.
