Digital Quantum Key Distribution (dQKD)

Quantum-Grade Security Without Quantum Hardware Complexity

Hardware QKD requires dedicated fiber with 200km distance barriers. Digital QKD delivers quantum-safe keys globally over existing IP networks at a rate of 1,200 keys/hour.

Quantum Key Distribution Networks (QKDN) Explained
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Why Digital QKD (DQKD)?

Digital QKD: Software-defined, cloud-native quantum-safe key exchange for global, scalable, and cost-effective protection against future threats.

Digital QKD is the world's first software-defined quantum-safe key exchange system purpose-built for cloud-native enterprises. It protects against harvest-now-decrypt-later (HNDL) attacks happening today and quantum computers emerging tomorrow.
Unlike hardware QKD bound by fibre and distance, DQKD operates globally over your existing networks—AWS, Azure, hybrid cloud, or internet.
Deploy in hours, not months, and scale effortlessly across any environment. Generate 1,200 quantum-safe keys per hour with seamless integration into existing cloud or hybrid enterprise infrastructure.
Powered by quantum entropy (QRNG), NIST-approved ML-KEM, and QNu's HODOS algorithm, it delivers agile quantum security at 99% lower cost than hardware solutions.Your data is secure, operations seamless, and investment future-proof.

Top 5 Reasons Why

Deploy Quantum Security in Hours, Not Months
Protect Data Across Any Distance, Any Network
Triple-Layer Defence Against Unknown Threats
Integrate Without Disrupting Operations
Adapt to Tomorrow's Standards Today

For Industries That Cannot Afford Quantum Vulnerability

For industries vulnerable to quantum threats: Cloud-Native, Financial Services, Healthcare, Government, SaaS, Telecom, Energy sectors.

Competitive Landscape

Comparison Parameter
QNu Labs QKDN
Traditional Players
Network Scale
Hundreds of nodes, 100+ controllers
Limited node management, metro-scale focus
Standards Compliance
Full ETSI GS QKD 014, 015, 018 + IETF NETCONF/YANG
ETSI GS QKD 014, partial SDN integration
QKD Format Support
Physical + Digital + Hybrid + Free-Space
Primarily physical QKD only
Distance Coverage
500km deployed; 2,000km roadmap
~120-150km standard, requires trusted nodes
Orchestration Intelligence
AI/ML-powered, cost-based routing, predictive analytics
Basic management dashboard, manual configuration
Fault Handling
Automated multi-level recovery, path re-routing, BITE/POST
Hot-swappable components, manual intervention required
Integration Flexibility
SKIP protocol, VPN-compatible, SDN/NFV frameworks
Hot-swappVendor-specific integration, limited compatibility able components, manual intervention required
Topology Support
Hub-and-spoke, ring, star, mesh with 3-tier hierarchy
Point-to-point, relay, ring, star
Deployment Validation
33 systems, Indian Navy, 500km operational network
European/Asian metro deployments, limited scale
Cost Efficiency
50% infrastructure cost reduction vs. linear topology
High CAPEX for hardware-intensive deployments
Indian Sovereignty
Fully indigenous, IITM-incubated, TEC certified
Foreign technology, export-controlled, complex licensing
Geographic Coverage
India TEC 91000:2022, NQM-backed; global deployment  
European/Asian markets

Why Organisations, SMBs Need Quantum Today?

Urgent quantum readiness: Protect data from harvest-now-decrypt-later threats, meet NIST mandates, and leverage India and China’s quantum advancements for future security.

HNDL Threat Active Adversaries collecting encrypted data for future quantum decryption; Q-Day anticipated by 2035.
Cyberattack Cost Explosion Attacks doubled since COVID-19; costs projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025
NIST 2028 Mandate Full PQC adoption required; enterprises need 3-5 years for cryptographic infrastructure migration
China's Operational Lead 12,000km quantum backbone connecting 16 cities demonstrates quantum-safe national networks are strategic imperatives
India's 500km Milestone - National Quantum Mission focused quantum_ projects position India at the forefront with validated defence-grade operational reality.

Why QKDN Leads

Software-defined quantum orchestration at national scale - proven across 500km Indian Navy deployment.

Software-Defined Orchestration
Centralized automation cuts deployment time and operational costs by 60%.
Multi-Format QKD
Supports physical, digital, hybrid, and free-space QKD for vendor-agnostic, future-ready deployments.
Intelligent Resilience
AI-driven monitoring delivers 99.5% uptime, 30% less downtime, and autonomous threat response.
National-Scale Architecture
500km hybrid network, 33 systems, validated at defense-grade for real-world deployments.
Hybrid Security Stack
ntegrated QKD, NIST PQC, and QRNG ensure crypto-agility, classical compatibility, and regulatory compliance.
Indigenous Sovereignty
Fully India-made, TEC-approved; no foreign or export dependencies.​

QKDN: Enterprise Quantum Network Features

Enhancing enterprise quantum networks with centralized orchestration, multi-tenant management, AI-driven monitoring, and PQC-secured high-availability infrastructure for mission-critical key distribution.

Network Management & Orchestration
Centralized SDN controller managing 100+ QKD network controllers
Multi-tenancy with isolated virtual quantum networks
ETSI GS QKD 018 NETCONF/YANG southbound interfaces
Key Management & Distribution
ETSI GS QKD 014 REST API for application integration
SKIP protocol for VPN/IPsec compatibility
QHSM tamper-proof storage with intrusion detection
Monitoring & Analytics
Real-time telemetry (QBER, SKR, temperature, link status)
AI/ML predictive maintenance forecasting failures 30% faster
Customizable dashboards and automated scheduled reporting
Security & Access Control
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) with biometric verification
PQC-secured management links with TLS 1.3 encryption
Physical and logical tamper detection triggering key deletion
Fault Tolerance & High Availability
Active-standby redundancy with <5 second failover
Automated path re-routing with sub-second activation
99.5% uptime SLA validated in operational deployment
Interoperability & Integration
Simultaneous physical, digital, free-space QKD management
Simultaneous physical, digital, free-space QKD management
Cloud platform APIs (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
Scalability Specifications
Hundreds of QKD nodes per deployment
25+ applications per node; 1000+ key paths per network
500km validated; 2,000km roadmap with quantum repeaters

How Does QKDN Work?

Unified Quantum Network Architecture: Layered design from SDN orchestrator and distributed QKD controllers to physical/digital quantum nodes with ETSI-compliant APIs.

Architecture Layers

Layer 1
Network Manager / SDN Orchestrator Top-level command providing unified network view, policy configuration, cross-controller coordination via ETSI GS QKD 018 (NETCONF/YANG)
Layer 2
QKD Network Controllers (QKDNC) Distributed controllers managing node domains, handling registration, key sessions, routing, local fault recovery via ETSI GS QKD 015
Layer 3
QKD Nodes Physical/digital/hybrid QKD systems generating quantum-secured keys, reporting telemetry, delivering keys via ETSI GS QKD 014 REST APIs

10-Step Operational Workflow

Step 1:

Network Initialization
Administrator accesses system via MFA, performs inventory discovery, configures topology, and generates network maps.

Step 2:

Node Registration
Nodes initiate TLS 1.3 connection, authenticate certificates, receive configuration, and start key generation.

Step 3:

Quantum Key Generation
Physical QKD uses photon transmission; Digital QKD combines QRNG and PQC; Hybrid approach integrates both with continuous QBER monitoring.

Step 4:

Key Distribution & Storage
Keys are securely stored in the controller's KMM, indexed with metadata, and automated rotations are scheduled.

Step 5:

Application Key Request
Applications request keys via REST API, with authentication validated and authorization checked.

Step 6:

Intelligent Path Selection
OSPF cost metrics are evaluated, optimal multi-hop relays selected, and paths reserved.

Step 7:

Continuous Monitoring
Real-time telemetry feeds AI/ML pattern analysis, dashboard health displays, and triggers alerts.

Step 8:

Fault Detection & Recovery
Link failures trigger BITE self-tests, activate alternate paths, and failover occurs within 5 seconds.

Step 9:

Security Incident Response
Tamper sensors detect intrusion, immediately delete keys, isolate the node, and alert the SOC.

Step 10:

Reporting & Compliance
Scheduled reports are auto-generated, compliance logs maintained, and historical trends visualized.

National-Scale Quantum Security Today

Quantum-safe networking is essential now; QKDN offers secure, software-defined orchestration and proven 500km Indian Navy network deployment for rapid strategic quantum security.

Frequently asked questions

How does QKDN differ from traditional point-to-point QKD systems?
What is the maximum distance QKDN can support?
Is QKDN compatible with existing network infrastructure?
How does QKDN protect against quantum computer attacks?
What are costs compared to traditional security infrastructure?
How long does QKDN deployment take?
What standards and certifications does QKDN comply with?
Can QKDN work with cloud environments?
What happens if a QKD node or controller fails?
What industries benefit most from QKDN?Government/Defense?