SKT applies quantum technology for 5G networks

SKT applies quantum technology for 5G networks. March. 19, 2019 07:44. by Dong-Jin Shin shine@donga.com.
For the first time in the world, SK Telecom is applying quantum communication technology, which uses photon, the smallest unit of light energy, in order to send cryptographic data to its fifth-generation (5G) network operation.

The South Korean telecommunications company said Monday that it will start applying quantum random number generator (QRNG) technology, which is independently developed by its subsidiary IDQ, to the subscriber authentication server of 5G networks from this month. This technology prevents any attempts to hack into the server by creating unpredictable random numbers, using the characteristics of quantum. SK Telecom is planning to apply the technology to its long-term evolution (LTE) networks starting next month.

“With the introduction of quantum computers, which have 100 million times faster data processing speed than that of super computers, the existing cryptography system is exposing its weaknesses,” an SK Telecom official said. “In the era of 5G networks, massive amount of data from different areas, such as autonomous driving, finance, and remote medical examination, are being transmitted. That is why security has become ever more important.”