In the major development of quantum communications, UK researchers successfully implemented the country’s first long-distance, ultra-secure data transfer using quantum networks.
This pioneering achievement marks a new chapter in cybersecurity and data transmission, establishing the UK as a leader in the competition to build a massive quantum internet.
Designed by experts from the University of Bristol and Cambridge, this sophisticated quantum communications network spans over 410 kilometres of standard fibrous cables and links the two cities through the backbone of cutting-edge quantum and classical technology.
“We’ve seen a lot of experience in the future,” commented Dr. Rui Wang, lecturer in future optical networks for the Smart Internet Lab’s High Performance Network Research Group at the University of Bristol.
“More importantly, it lays the foundation for a large-scale quantum internet, connecting quantum nodes and devices through global entanglement and teleportation.”
Quantum key distribution and the power of entanglement
At the heart of this achievement is the integration of two advanced quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies.
The first is encoding the encryption key into the particles of light, effectively sparing them immunity against eavesdropping.
Second leveraged quantum entanglement – a phenomenon in which particles remain interconnected regardless of distance – allows classic systems to protect data in ways that cannot be replicated.
By combining these QKD approaches, the researchers have achieved a robust system that can maintain ultra-secure data transmission over long distances.
This is the first time that a network of this scale has successfully incorporated both entanglement distributions and quantum secure key exchanges within a standard fiber infrastructure.
Demonstrate network functionality
To showcase the features of the Quantum Communications Network, researchers conducted several high-stakes demonstrations.
These include live quantum secure video calls between Bristol and Cambridge, encrypted transfer of sensitive medical records, and secure remote access to distributed data centers.
These real applications highlight the great potential of quantum communications to enhance digital privacy and protection across sectors such as healthcare, finance and government.
The results were presented at the 2025 Fiber Optic Communications Conference (OFC) held in San Francisco. This is one of the most prestigious events in the telecom industry.
Make the UK stand out with global quantum races
Other countries have made progress in quantum communications, but China’s network currently spans more than 4,600 kilometers, with Madrid implementing a multi-node QKD system.
Unlike previous tests, the network simultaneously supports entanglement distribution and traditional QKD while seamlessly integrating with classic data infrastructure.
Previous milestones in the UK include record-breaking key rates and Bristol’s entangled shared networks with Cambridge and Toshiba’s metroscale networks.
However, this new breakthrough will integrate multiple quantum secure technologies into a single, cohesive system across a national scale.
It is built on 10 years of innovation
This success was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), developed as part of a quantum communications hub, and is based on years of work through the UK Quantum Network (UKQN).
The current infrastructure connects two Metropolitan networks in Bristol and Cambridge via four long-range fiber optic links and three intermediate nodes, utilizing EPSRC’s National Dark Fiber Facility for dedicated research.
The network reconfigurable architecture enabled by low-loss optical switches and single-mode fibers supports both classic and quantum traffic. This makes it an ideal testbed for scalable quantum communication technology.
Towards the global quantum internet
The research team plans to expand its efforts under the newly funded EPSRC initiative, the integrated quantum network hub.
The purpose of this project is to establish a scalable quantum network that connects everything from local quantum processors to domestic and domestic communication systems via low-Earth orbital satellites.
This next stage could lead to a new era of global connections where information is securely shared through quantum entanglement and teleportation, bringing the vision of the quantum measured Internet closer to reality.
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