Allegro Project Insight: Extending QKD Reach with Post-Quantum Cryptography

In real-world networks, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) doesn’t always reach every endpoint — due to lack of fiber, long distances, or cost constraints for secondary nodes.

💡 In the Allegro Project, we’ve designed a hybrid approach to extend quantum-safe security beyond QKD’s physical limits by integrating Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) for key delivery.

📶 Whether it’s a mobile device, a remote location, or a low-priority node, this method ensures these connections remain secure without requiring full QKD deployment.

📌 In our current work:

  • We explored a three-node hybrid scenario with no direct QKD link between Bob and Charlie.
  • Instead, they use a cryptographic key establishment method, leveraging legacy and PQC-based approaches.
  • ✅ The concept is fully developed in this phase (PR1).
  • 🚧 A Proof of Concept (PoC) and field trial are on the roadmap for the remainder of the project.

This is a key step toward flexible, cost-effective, and scalable quantum-safe networks — bringing the power of quantum security to places QKD alone can’t reach.

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