- Ciena, Toshiba and Quantum Corridor completed a 1.6 Tb/s quantum-safe optical encryption trial on a live commercial network - The test combined NIST-certified post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with quantum key distribution (QKD) to protect data in transit - Existing Ciena customers could adopt PQC protections through software upgrades rather than replacing deployed infrastructure We are in the danger zone on the Q-Day countdown clock — and the Q-Day clock is speeding up. So, it’s no surprise that quantum-safe networking trials are underway at a myriad of vendors trying to get ahead, including Ciena, a stalwart in the high-speed optical networking arena, with its WaveLogic gear. Specifically, the trial focused on how organizations can protect data and included Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) 1.6 Tb/s quantum-safe encryption capabilities, which support a hybrid security approach using NIST-certified PQC algorithms and seamless interworking with Toshiba’s QKD technology, according to a company announcement today. Ciena has been working with Quantum Corridor for several years, according to Paulina Gomez, director of product marketing for Ciena. Quantum Corridor runs a quantum-ready network that connects Chicago ORD10 at 350 East Cermak to the Digital Crossroad data campus in Hammond, Indiana, with quantum-safe fiber infrastructure spanning the Illinois–Indiana state line between two Tier III data centers. The organization plans to expand into additional regional research areas this year, according to the Quantum Corridor website. “Our relationship with Quantum Corridor has been evolving over a few years. It's not new,” Gomez told Fierce Network, referring to a previous collaboration on quantum networking work involving JPMorgan Chase and Toshiba. The latest trial was conducted on the Quantum Corridor live production network between Chicago and Hammond. It validated 1.6 Tb/s encrypted connectivity using Ciena’s Waveserver platform powered by WL6e while also supporting existing WaveLogic 5 Extreme encrypted traffic on the same