28.11.2024
Kick-off into the quantum age:O2 Telefónica enhances mobile network efficiency and security with quantum technologies on AWS
- Quantum computer calculates optimal telecommunications infrastructure for Munich
- Use of quantum-safe encryption methods in mobile networks to further increase their security in the future
- Mallik Rao, Chief Technology & Enterprise Officer at O2 Telefónica: “SIM cards, text messages and video calls for consumers, businesses and government agencies will be protected with advanced security features in the 6G era.”
A quantum computer supports O2 Telefónica for the network expansion in Munich
O2 Telefónica is integrating quantum technologies into its mobile network to improve performance and explore new data security standards. As the digital landscape evolves, quantum technologies are providing new methods to solve complex computational problems that are difficult for classical systems to solve, while also enabling quantum-resistant encryption. O2 Telefónica is exploring the future possibilities of its network through these advancements, ensuring secure and efficient mobile communication.
In a pilot project, O2 Telefónica is working with Telefónica SA, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Telefónica Tech as AWS Consulting Partner with Security Competency, and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), to examine the application of quantum technologies in the mobile network. With AWS, O2 Telefónica has also launched a new cloud-based core network this year, which is now available to one million customers. As the first provider worldwide with an existing network, O2 Telefónica has successfully implemented a core network using the cloud infrastructure of Amazon Web Services (AWS), supported by the modern technology of the European network supplier Nokia.
The current pilot represents one of the first coordinated efforts globally to test multiple quantum technologies in a cloud environment. Thereby, it is also building up on multiple lines of Telefónica’s research on quantum technologies at its Telefónica Technology and Automation Lab in Madrid during the past 10 years.
Mallik Rao
Mallik Rao, Chief Technology & Enterprise Officer at O2 Telefónica, stated: “We are entering the quantum age of digital networking. Quantum physics will enhance digital communication. With our pilot project, we are taking a significant step towards quantum-safe mobile networks of the future. We are creating the necessary conditions today to leverage quantum technologies and their possibilities in our O2 network for the benefit of our customers. SIM cards, text messages, and video calls for consumers, companies, and public authorities are secured with advanced security features in the 6G era.”
“Quantum technologies have the potential to transform telecommunications networks, enhancing security, optimizing infrastructure, and unlocking new capabilities,” said Matt Rehder, VP of Core Networking at AWS. “By working closely with telecommunications companies like O2 Telefónica and leading academic institutions, we’re turning cutting-edge research into practical solutions. The AWS Cloud provides powerful tools to explore and integrate these innovations, building a secure and efficient foundation for the 6G networks of tomorrow that will power a vast array of digital services for consumers and enterprises alike.”
“Quantum communications technology is extremely demanding due to the need to deal with single-quantum signals. This pilot shows how QKD technology can be usefully integrated in a very complex production network to secure real-world use-cases”, said Prof. Vicente Martin, director of the UPM research group on quantum information.
Optimizing Mobile Network Infrastructure with Quantum Computing
Scientist working on a laser system, an important component of neutral atom quantum computers
In one part of the pilot, one of the quantum computers accessed through Amazon Braket is explored as a potential tool to assist in calculating optimal placement for O2 Telefónica’s mobile towers in Munich. The task involves tackling a complex optimization problem, ensuring that no two towers have overlapping coverage areas while aiming to maximize network efficiency. In practical terms, this process would involve evaluating billions of potential configurations, considering variables like frequency ranges, geographical obstacles, and signal interference. Quantum computing is investigated for its potential future advantages in addressing such problems.
The results are transported via server racks like this one at the University of Madrid
Traditional computing systems require finding approximations to handle such intricate calculations efficiently due to the scale and complexity involved. Quantum computing, though still in its early stages, offers a promising approach by simulating various possible configurations and potentially narrowing down optimal solutions faster. In this pilot, the quantum processor is explored as a tool for identifying arrangements that could maximize network coverage while reducing interference, with the goal of understanding its future potential for such tasks.
Quantum computing has the potential to contribute to optimizing telecommunications infrastructure. As the technology develops, it may help mobile operators enhance the efficiency of deploying 5G and future 6G networks, with the possibility of improving service delivery and reducing operational complexity.
Securing Mobile Networks with Quantum-Resistant Encryption
Following this initial calculation of antenna placements using quantum computing, the focus shifts to securing potentially highly sensitive data involved. As computing technology continues to evolve, it demands equally sophisticated security measures to safeguard such data. O2 Telefónica’s pilot project is focused on testing quantum-resistant encryption techniques, ensuring mobile networks remain resilient against future advancements in computing power.
Quantum technologies to make digital networking even more secure in future
Two approaches to quantum security are being explored: Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). PQC uses cryptographic algorithms designed to withstand the decryption capabilities of quantum computers, providing a robust solution for securing data in transit. In its April 2024 statement, the European Commission emphasized: “The future potential development of quantum computers [...] makes it necessary for Europe to look for stronger safeguards [...] by switching to Post-Quantum Cryptography as swiftly as possible.” This aligns with O2 Telefónica’s approach in this pilot project, where the results of the quantum computation are securely transmitted from the U.S. to Europe over AWS’s internal backbone, with PQC encryption applied to protect the data throughout the transmission process.
In addition to the quantum resistance provided by PQC, the most critical links are protected with another layer of security, QKD. This is consistent with a defence in depth (DiD) security posture where multiple layers of security are combined to protect key distribution across highly sensitive communication channels, such as those between data centers and satellite links, to provide a comprehensive security strategy.
Mallik Rao added: “The question is no longer whether quantum-based encryption will be required, but when. With this pilot project, we are looking ahead and testing the necessary technology in real-life use in the network today. We are implementing quantum technologies on AWS because they can be applied there more efficiently and quickly than building our own infrastructure. We can also combine quantum-safe connections more easily with the increasingly cloudified telecommunications services.”
Future of Mobile Communications
The insights gained from this project will contribute to the development of future 6G networks, enhancing both security and performance. These technologies may play a role in ensuring the security of data transmitted across international borders and between terrestrial networks and satellites.
O2 Telefónica is committed to advancing secure, high-performance mobile networks and preparing for the demands of future communications technologies.
How quantum technologies work
- Quantum computing uses a quantum processor, which is based on a quantum system and the laws of quantum mechanics, to perform calculations. There are various competing approaches for the generation of quantum bits (qubits), including processors based on neutral atoms, photons, superconductors, ion traps, semiconductors or topological qubits. Conventional computers, on the other hand, use electronic circuits. Quantum computers have the potential to outperform conventional computers for selected problems (e.g. certain optimization tasks) in the future. Quantum computers are currently still in the development stage, but there are already processors that can be used for research and development purposes.
- Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is a software-based encryption method that can be implemented on normal computers and cell phones. Even quantum computers cannot decrypt this within a realistic period of time. It can be used over any distance. Widespread cryptographic methods used to date make use of the fact that breaking a large number into prime factors is significantly more difficult than multiplying two prime factors. However, it has been theoretically shown (see Shor’s algorithm) that quantum computers have an advantage over conventional computers. Post-quantum cryptography, on the other hand, is based on mathematical problems in which quantum computers cannot achieve any significant speed advantage; this is the case, for example, with lattice-based algorithms. The first PQC algorithms were recently standardized by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
- Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a method for securely generating and exchanging encryption keys typically using specialized hardware. It uses quantum physics to establish secure communication channels over fiber optics, satellite links, or free space, guaranteeing that no information leakage is possible. Although QKD is generally limited to distances of 100-150 km, trusted nodes are already used to extend the range, and quantum repeaters are being developed to improve scalability for longer-distance communication.
