Quantum Computing and Ciena Demo 1.6 Tb/s Quantum-Secured Communications at OFC 2026
Quantum Computing Inc. partnered with Ciena to demonstrate next-generation quantum-secured communications at OFC 2026, integrating QCi’s time-frequency entanglement QKD technology with Ciena’s Waveserver optical encryption platform to support AES-256-GCM encryption at up to 1.6 Tb/s. The live layered security demo combined quantum key distribution, quantum authentication and NIST-certified post-quantum algorithms.
1. Demo Partnership Details
Quantum Computing Inc. teamed up with Ciena at OFC 2026 to showcase a live quantum-secured communications demonstration. The integration leveraged QCi’s time-frequency entanglement-based quantum key distribution technology alongside Ciena’s Waveserver optical encryption platform.
2. Technical Integration
The combined system supported AES-256-GCM encryption scaling up to 1.6 Tb/s, layering quantum key distribution, quantum authentication and NIST-certified post-quantum cryptography algorithms. This architecture addressed both in-flight data protection and resilience against future quantum computing attacks.
3. Market and Deployment Outlook
The demonstration highlights a pathway for high-speed carriers and data centers to adopt quantum-safe communications within existing fiber networks. Commercial rollout plans hinge on performance validation and regulatory compliance, with potential early deployments expected in financial and defense sectors.