SK Telecom's integrated tech links QCC networks

South Korea's SK Telecom Co. on Wednesday said it developed a technology that virtualizes and connects quantum cryptography and communication (QCC) networks comprising communication equipment from a variety of manufacturers into a single integrated network.

Connecting to such a network used to be impossible if the manufacturer, telecom service provider or country was not the same, but SK Telecom says this technology is the world's first to allow such a link.

The company applied a self-developed optimal path algorithm to calculate paths in the integrated virtual network of QCC and automatically provides quantum keys to encryption devices.

SK Telecom proposed two standardization tasks to the European Telecommunication Standardization Organization to prepare standards for integrating such networks. In March, the organization's Industry Specification Group on Quantum Key Distribution adopted them.

SK Telecom will continue researching more necessary technologies such as service linkage and quality control for standardization approval. Its development of integration technology for QCC networks and study of standardization tasks are expected to raise the global competitiveness of domestic companies and stimulate the quantum cryptography ecosystem at home and abroad.

"SK Telecom, which started developing QCC technology in 2011, possesses an array of technologies in the field such as those of materials, parts and systems," said Yu Tak-ki, the company's vice president and head of its Infra Tech Office.

"Like our development of integration technology for QCC networks this time, we will keep contributing to the spread and popularization of QCC by leading the market."

Write to Seung-Woo Lee at leeswoo@hankyung.com