BWI, the federal IT service provider, has modernized the Bundeswehr's wide area network (WANBw) over the past three years, as the company announced. Bandwidths of up to 100 Gbit/s are now possible. The data streams are encrypted in a quantum-resistant manner. The cryptography solution is approved by the Federal Office for Information Security, BSI, for classified information up to the VS-NfD classification level.
According to the BWI, the core network (backbone) enables the Bundeswehr's complete domestic voice and data communication in a redundant fiber optic network that is around 13,000 kilometers long. In addition to the higher bandwidth, a new security concept became necessary.
The first quantum computers could be on the market as early as the early 2030s, writes the BWI. They will be millions of times more powerful than conventional systems. And they will be able to break encryption methods used today. That is why the Bundeswehr and BWI are investigating the possibilities of quantum technologies, including in the area of cryptography. The first solution has now arrived in practice: the new backbone of the Bundeswehr's wide area network now has encryption that would also withstand future quantum computers.
According to the BWI, the implemented quantum-safe encryption technology (post-quantum cryptography, PQC) is used by default and cannot be switched off. A new “fiber monitoring system” also contributes to increasing the level of protection of the core network. This allows the BWI to specifically detect, localize and report fiber breaks or other disorders. In addition to greater security, the system enables, among other things, more efficient interference suppression.
The standard bandwidth of 100 Gbit/s can be increased if necessary without having to change the physical network infrastructure or network topology.
The BWI, as the Bundeswehr's primary digitalization partner, sees the increase in WANBw's performance in terms of bandwidth and protection as a contribution to ensuring the required communication and leadership capabilities - secure, highly available and future-proof.
Editorial staff / gwh
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