Quantum Key Distribution Key Management System (QKD-KMS)
The next generation of secure key distribution in a post-quantum era.
Key Management for Quantum secure networks
At AIT we developed a Key Management System (KMS) for Quantum Key Distribution Networks (QKD), establishing a secure end-to-end key in a QKD backed communication network. Year long experience in QKD, cryptography and industry application come together to solve the challenges of tomorrow, today.
Cryptography
Experts in the field of cryptography, post-quantum cryptography and implementation of cryptographic applications contribute to the KMS.
QKD
Year long experience in the field of QKD give the team an edge at understanding the underlying quantum infrastructure.
Standard Interfaces
The KMS complies to the most relevant specifications in QKD, supporting the ETSI GS QKD 014 and ETSI GS QKD 004 interface.
SDN ready
Larger QKD backed infrastructure benefits from SDN, the KMS offers an interface to an SDN Agent for network agility according to the ETSI GS QKD 015 specification.
Applied in Projects
The KMS is developed and used in several QKD related projects, such as the Austrian EuroQCI project QCI-CAT.
Development
The KMS is designed considering applicable recommendations, such as the ITU-T Y3800 family and NIST SP 800-57. Best practices of secure software development are applied.
Latest News
- AIT KMS and QKD expertes at ADIC 2026
AIT participated at the Austrian Defence Innovation Conference (ADIC) 2026 by the Austrian Ministry of Defence (BMLV) with KMS and QKD experts and contributed to the Challenges and Hackathon track. They succeeded in the ambitious plan to run a QKD network, analyze it for common vulnerabilities and pitch an innovative project to bring QKD Networks to operative defense. With this, they delivered on hands on and theoretical quantum innovation. - AURORA KMS successfully integrated and tested with zerothird QKD device
Within the scope of the Q-Crit project the AURORA KMS has successfully passed a long-term predeployment test at zerothird (Quantum Industries) facilities. This test adds another QKD vendor to the list of QKD devices the AURORA KMS is proven to be compatible with. The test consisted of the same number of nodes as the final… Read more: AURORA KMS successfully integrated and tested with zerothird QKD device - AURORA KMS tested with free space QKD link and in the MuQuaNet
As part of the Anquor Project the AURORA KMS was successfully integrated with the free space link of Airbus and the Munich Quantum Network (MuQuaNet) operated by the University of the Bundeswehr Munich. AIT contributed with one more ThinkQuantum link and of course the AURORA KMS. - AURORA KMS at IT-SA 2025
As part of the Advantage Austria booth AIT showcased the AURORA KMS for Quantum key distribution networks. - AURORA KMS showcased at Vienna Quantum Tech Days
The Vienna Quantum Tech Days were held in the historical town hall of Vienna. Since most QKD equipment was either still in at the ECOC 2025 or on their way to IT-SA 2025, this showcase was a bit smaller.