Quantum-safe networking: considerations and strategies

Cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs), expected between 2030 and 2040, will render traditional public key encryption (PKE) obsolete, creating an urgent need for telecoms operators and enterprises to adopt quantum-safe networks (QSNs). These networks use post-quantum cryptography (PQC), quantum key distribution (QKD) or both to secure communications. Although deployment is still nascent, progress is accelerating, and organisations must act ahead of ‘Q-Day’ to mitigate risks such as ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ (HNDL), making the transition to QSNs a strategic priority.

This report provides:

• an explanation of the need to transition from traditional PKE to QSNs
• an overview of PQC and its adoption
• an examination of QKD and its adoption 
• an assessment of QKD implementation approaches and practical considerations
• an analysis of QSN progress and vendor ecosystem engagement.