Belnet marks major milestones in the development of Belgium’s first quantum communication network and collaborates with neighbouring countries

Through the BeQCI project, Belnet is playing an active role in rolling out a quantum communication network in Belgium. Within the consortium, Belnet is specifically responsible for deploying a separate dedicated infrastructure: the fibre-optic links within Belgium and the required quantum network equipment. This infrastructure significantly enhances the security of data exchange, particularly for research institutions and public authorities. 

The deployment covers the design, implementation and operational management of the network. We’re proud to announce that the first three QKD links became operational in 2024! QKD stands for Quantum Key Distribution. 

The first QKD link, connecting two campuses of Ghent University, is primarily used for research purposes. It allows for testing of the equipment and explores the possibility of transmitting classical and quantum data over the same channel using cutting-edge QKD technology. 

The second link, between Redu and Transinne, is used by the European Space Agency (ESA) and research centre CETIC to secure data from IoT devices. The third link, between two Belnet data centres, is used for secure internal data transfer. Three cheers for quantum progress! 

But that’s not all… Just before the end of 2024, a first successful international QKD link was established between Luxembourg (University of Luxembourg in Luxembourg City) and Belgium (ESA site in Redu) — a strong cross-border collaboration between the BeQCI and Lux4QCI networks, with technical support from Belnet. A major milestone for Belnet as a partner, and a promising step toward the future.