Eurofiber, a B2B digital infrastructure provider, and Delft Networks, a quantum networking company, have deployed an entanglement ready dark fiber connection between Delft and Rotterdam in a closed loop configuration. The infrastructure will be used to test long distance quantum connections over existing fiber networks. The project focuses on the distribution of quantum entanglement between quantum memories separated by metropolitan distances.
According to a press release, the Delft Rotterdam loop will be used to assess the performance and stability of entanglement distribution over operational telecom infrastructure. The work includes testing issues such as signal attenuation, synchronization and the integration of quantum signals with carrier grade networks.
Marc Hulzebos, Innovation manager, Eurofiber, said, “Our project demonstrates how existing fiber infrastructure can evolve to support the next generation of quantum technologies. By combining classical and quantum networking capabilities, we are preparing our infrastructure for a future where quantum devices become integral to communication and computation.”
Ronald Hanson, CEO, Delft Networks, said, “Deploying entanglement over operational telecom networks allows us to understand and address practical constraints and accelerate the transition from R&D to scalable deployment.”
Quantum entanglement can establish correlations between distant quantum systems and is a key component of several proposed quantum networking applications. These include distributed quantum computing, quantum sensing and synchronization using quantum clocks. The project also examines how quantum signals can be integrated with existing telecommunications infrastructure rather than requiring entirely separate networks.
The project is funded by QDNL Delft’s Regional Quantum Program, involving the Province of South Holland, Metropoolregio Rotterdam Den Haag, and the municipalities of Delft, Leiden, Rotterdam and The Hague.
Delft Networks was spun out of QuTech at TU Delft in 2024 and the Delft Rotterdam deployment will provide a test environment for moving quantum networking technologies from experimental systems toward use on telecommunications networks.