Conventional networking
Fiber, radio and free-space optical transport carry traffic through the network. Scope routing, authentication, segmentation, encryption and operational monitoring.
Quantum networking
Transport and security, designed together.
Conventional connectivity, post-quantum cryptography and quantum communications have different roles. Build the architecture around the requirement for each layer.
Three distinct layers
Choose the right approach for the connection.
A laser link is an optical transport path. The protection of the data and the assurance of the endpoints must be designed alongside it.
Post-quantum cryptography
Assess cryptographic dependencies and migration to NIST-standardised algorithms, with compatibility, implementation assurance and deployment testing.
Quantum communications
Evaluate quantum key distribution and related research in a separate feasibility scope. Specialised hardware, authenticated channels and operating constraints must be tested.
Technical foundations: NASA optical communications · NIST post-quantum cryptography.
A practical migration path
Start with the exposure you can identify.
Each phase is tied to a customer-controlled environment and the agreed scope.
Discover
Inventory the cryptographic uses, certificates, keys, devices and dependencies within the assessment boundary.
Prioritise
Consider data sensitivity, retention needs, interoperability and the effort required to change each dependency.
Validate
Test selected implementations and interface behaviour in the scoped pilot before an operational migration.
Operate
Document ownership, key management, monitoring, recovery and how future cryptographic changes will be introduced.
Optical resilience
Plan for real operating conditions.
Clouds, atmospheric interference and precise pointing are practical optical-link constraints. Site diversity and appropriate alternate paths belong in the service design.
- Ground and spacecraft geometry assessed for the intended link
- Environmental evidence considered in site selection
- A recovery strategy appropriate to the continuity requirement
- Security and transport acceptance criteria recorded separately
Technical foundations: NASA optical communications · NIST post-quantum cryptography.