KT to develop next generation core security one to multi technology-quantum cryptography communication¡¯ testing network
Jung Yeo Lin | yeslin@ | 2018-02-20 11:19:45

KT succeeded in establishing a one-to-many cipher communication test network jointly with KIST, and launched 'Quantum Communication Eco Alliance'. KT employees are conducting technology tests using a one-to-many multi-party encryption communication network at Woomedong Research Center in Seoul. Photo by KT


KT stepped ahead of the quantum cryptographic communication technology, which is considered to be the core security technology of the fourth industrial revolution era.

KT, on February 19, announced that it succeeded in establishing `one-to-many multi-party encryption communication test network` jointly with Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST).

The test network consists of a server and several clients sending and receiving quantum cryptographic keys at the same time in KT`s commercial network environment. In particular, unlike the existing one, it succeeded in simultaneous quantum communication with several points with one device, and it proved economical efficiency and efficiency. Last month, a KT official said, "By the beginning of this year, we will be able to show a solution that can apply quantum cryptography to commercial networks."

Quantum communication is a communication technology using the characteristics of both of which cannot be duplicated. If a third party tries to intercept communication information in the middle, it cannot be hacked as the sender and receiver know it.

Meanwhile, the success of this demonstration is the result of joint research and development between KT and KIST since last year. For the test network construction, KIST used a "quantum cryptographic key distribution device" developed by the Information and Communication Technology Center (IITP).

Last year, KT opened a test bed for the development of quantum information and communication technology at the Seoul Woo-myeong Convergence Technology Institute. Besides, it has launched `Quantum Communication Eco Alliance` with companies and research institutes related to domestic quantum communication technology. The test network will be used for eco-alliance participating companies to develop quantum communication equipment and verify their functions.

"The quantum cryptographic communication technology is the core security technology in the era of the 4th industrial revolution," said Jeon Hong-beom, director of the Infrastructure Research Center at the KT Convergence Research Institute. "KT is the world`s first one. Also we will work hard to strengthen the competitiveness of quantum communication."

Mobile carriers are competing in the development of quantum cryptography technology as a move to strengthen security in preparation for the 5th generation mobile communication (5G) era in which high-volume data will be delivered in large quantities.

SK Telecom, which has developed quantum cryptography since 2011, is also accelerating its commercialization. SK Telecom plans to concentrate on the development of quantum cryptography for autonomous navigation vehicles this year. SK Telecom is now making it possible to easily mount the quantum random number generator on the application technology by implementing it as small as the size of the semiconductor chip. LG U + is reportedly considering a plan to begin development of quantum cryptographic communication technology this year.

On the other hand, mobile carriers are expected to apply quantum cryptography to industries such as finance and defense that require high levels of security.

By Jung Yeo Lin yeslin@


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