KT Presents Possibility of Building Economical Networks via Multilateral Quantum Communication
Launching Eco Alliance to Secure Core Quantum Technologies Through Cooperation

KT announced that it has successfully constructed a one-to-many quantum cryptography communication (hereinafter quantum communication) test network in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). Quantum communication is a communication technology that utilizes the unreplicable nature of quantum mechanics; if a third party attempts to intercept communication information midway, the sender and receiver can detect this, making hacking impossible.

This test network was configured to allow a single server and multiple clients to simultaneously exchange quantum cryptographic keys within KT's commercial network environment. Unlike existing methods, it successfully achieved quantum communication with multiple locations using a single piece of equipment, demonstrating the feasibility of economical network construction.

The success of this demonstration is the result of joint research and development between KT and KIST that has continued since last year, utilizing a 'quantum cryptographic key distribution device' developed by KIST with support from the Information and Communication Technology Center (IITP).



Since 2017, KT has opened a testbed for the development of quantum information and communication technology at the Convergence Technology Institute in Umyeon-dong and has built and operated a 46km one-to-one quantum cryptography test network between the KIST Center for Applied Quantum Communications in Suwon and the KIST Center for Applied Quantum Communications. With this demonstration as a starting point, KT and KIST plan to continue contributing to the revitalization of domestic quantum communication technology development.

Along with this, KT launched the 'Quantum Communication Eco Alliance' with leading domestic companies and research institutes related to quantum communication technology. Here, KT plans to secure core quantum technologies and work toward the commercialization of quantum communication in collaboration with KIST and domestic and international telecommunications companies. In addition, the newly established test network will be utilized for the development of quantum communication equipment and functional verification by companies participating in the 'Eco Alliance'.

Jeon Hong-beom, Director of the Infrastructure Research Institute at KT Convergence Technology Institute, stated, “Quantum cryptography is a core security technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution era,” adding, “Based on the one-to-many quantum communication test network built on a commercial network for the first time in the world, KT will strive to strengthen its competitiveness in quantum communication together with domestic and international research institutions and companies.”