New international collaboration targets the security of global communications
A pioneering international research partnership has been launched between the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom and the University of Queensland in Australia to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in modern communications: ensuring the security of information traveling through fibre-optic networks. The collaboration brings together the expertise of Exeter’s Quantum Non-Equilibrium Group (QNEG) and Queensland’s Quantum Technology Laboratory (QTLab) to pioneer a breakthrough technology known as Quantum Link Verification (QLV).
What is Quantum Link Verification?
QLV is a quantum-based approach that leverages the peculiar properties of photons to detect eavesdropping on data carried by optical fibres. Traditional encryption aims to protect data after it is encrypted, but QLV targets the channel itself. The system places single photons alongside ordinary data traffic. If an adversary attempts to intercept or measure these photons, the quantum state is inevitably disturbed, revealing the intrusion in real time.
In a world where quantum computers threaten to undermine current cryptographic schemes, QLV presents a practical complement to existing security measures. Rather than relying solely on post-quantum cryptography or physically guarding cables, QLV integrates with existing networks to provide an immediate alert when tampering occurs.
How QLV works in practice
QLV operates by transmitting individual photons in tandem with standard telecom signals. The quantum states of these photons are highly sensitive to observation, ensuring that any attempt at tapping or interception leaves a detectable trace. The approach does not require a complete infrastructure rebuild; instead, it can be layered onto current fibre-optic networks, offering a fast, cost-effective upgrade path for critical communication links.
Leadership and collaboration
The international project is led by Professor Andrew White from the University of Queensland and Professor Janet Anders from the University of Exeter’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. Both are internationally recognised figures in quantum science, and their collaboration is expected to accelerate the translation of theory into real-world security gains. The project also emphasises workforce development, supporting the training of a new generation of quantum researchers and strengthening industry collaboration with VeriQuantix, a partner with expertise in quantum technologies.
Funding, timeline, and goals
The UQ Exeter Institute’s Strategic Grant Scheme has awarded £150,000 to the partnership to support high-impact, strategically aligned research. The project is scheduled to begin in 2025 and run through 2027, with a funded postdoctoral position to foster academic training and development. The research plan includes three key milestones:
- Develop a working QLV prototype using commercially available telecom components.
- Demonstrate reliable detection of eavesdropping across a range of intrusion methods in controlled simulations.
- Test QLV in real-world, noisy network environments to assess robustness and practicality.
Why this matters for global security
As global communications become increasingly data-driven and interconnected, the need for tamper-evident channels grows more urgent. Quantum Link Verification promises to add a powerful layer of security that operates at the physical layer of the communication channel, reducing the risk of undetected breaches and strengthening trust in cross-border data flows. Though QLV is still in its early stages, the Exeter-Queensland collaboration signals a bold step toward securing the infrastructure that underpins finance, health, governance, and everyday digital life.
Looking ahead
Experts in Exeter and Queensland expect QLV to stimulate broader quantum-secured communications research, drive industry partnerships, and train a new cadre of researchers equipped to advance quantum sensing, communication, and information security. If successful, the technology could become a practical option for safeguarding long-haul and metropolitan networks alike, contributing to a safer, more reliable global communications landscape.
