Quantum Cryptography On Chip

Project Description

The Fit-IT funded project QCC realizes an FPGA-based system-on-chip for securing virtual-private networks by combining quantum cryptography with classical cryptography. Project partners are Austrian Research Centers (ARC) and Siemens AG Österreich. QCC realized a fully functional prototype SOC design — called Q-Tun — to secure the communication of Gigabit virtual-private networks.

Q-Tun is a networked security device, which secures the data traffic by applying classical cryptography combined with quantum-key distribution. The device tunnels network traffic between two private networks over potentially insecure public networks. The objective is a high performance but scalable security solution embedding quantum cryptography and high speed networking hardware into a fully integrated system-on-chip. It embeds all necessary tasks for quantum-key distribution and fully manages secure networking in a standalone device delivering Gigabit throughput. The functionality of the system is implemented by means of software and hardware. Dedicated hardware modules meet the demanding requirements. Features are

• Stand-alone network encryptor
• SoC solution based on Xilinx FPGAs
• 1 Gigabit throughput
• Quantum key distribution
• Combination of quantum cryptography and classical cryptography
• IPsec-compliant encryption engine
• AES-128 encryption (CBC for confidentiality; XCBC for authentication)
• Hardware-accelerated packet filtering
• Web-based management interface (WBEM/CIM)