While many companies are still discussing quantum resistance, the Bundeswehr's 13.000 kilometer long fiber optic network is quantum-resistant encrypted. The cryptography solution is approved by the BSI up to “VS-NfD” and enables bandwidths of up to 100 Gbit/s.
Over the past three years, BWI has completely modernized the Bundeswehr's wide area network. The new core network, the so-called backbone, of the nationwide fiber optic network is not only significantly more powerful. It is also quantum-resistant encrypted and approved by the BSI up to “VS-NfD”.
VS-NfD: classified information – for official use only
The entire voice and data communication of the Bundeswehr in this country takes place via a redundant fiber optic network that is around 13.000 kilometers long. In order to meet the increasing demands of the armed forces, BWI has completely modernized the core network over the past three years and prepared it for the quantum age. The first quantum computers could be on the market as early as the early 2030s. They will be millions of times more powerful than conventional systems. And they will be able to break encryption methods used today. That is why the Bundeswehr and BWI are investigating the possibilities of quantum technologies, including in the area of cryptography. The first solution has now arrived in practice: the new backbone of the Bundeswehr's wide area network now has encryption that would also withstand future quantum computers.
More security and automation
Around 800 Bundeswehr properties are connected to the fiber optic core network. In order to optimally protect the transmitted data today and in the future, BWI is now using quantum-safe encryption technology in the backbone. This “post-quantum cryptography”, PQC for short, is used by default and cannot be switched off.
The solution is approved by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) up to the transmission of information in the protection class “classified information – for official use only” (VS-NfD). With a fiber monitoring system, the entire fiber optic infrastructure can be automated and monitored. Specifically, this means detecting, localizing and reporting fiber breaks or other disorders. In addition to greater security, the system enables, among other things, more efficient interference suppression.
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About BWI
BWI is one of the largest IT service companies in Germany. In peace, crisis and war it provides for
the Bundeswehr provides stable, secure and efficient IT services at home and abroad. In this way, it contributes to the continuous increase in the command and operational capability and combat effectiveness of the armed forces.