Eurofiber and Delft Networks deploy dark-fiber for Entanglement-Based Quantum Networks Between Delft and Rotterdam
Today, Eurofiber, in collaboration with Delft Networks, today announced the successful deployment of entanglement-ready dark fiber connecting Delft and Rotterdam in a closed loop configuration. This pioneering infrastructure is designed to test and validate long-range quantum connections over existing deployed fiber, marking a significant step toward the realization of a future quantum internet.
The initiative leverages Eurofiber’s high-quality fiber optic infrastructure and Delft Networks’ advanced quantum networking expertise, preparing for the distribution of long-lived entangled states between quantum memories separated by metropolitan distances. By integrating quantum signals with deployed fiber, the project explores how existing telecom networks can be augmented to support fundamentally new levels of privacy, trust and coordination.
Quantum entanglement
At the core of this effort is the distribution of quantum entanglement, a phenomenon that enables generation of intrinsically secure correlations and fast coordination between distant nodes. Also, entanglement allows for a new generation of machines – quantum computers and sensors – to be linked in a network providing significant performance boosts. Entanglement thus forms a foundational capability for a broader class of quantum technologies, including distributed quantum computing, ultra-precise sensing, and time synchronization using quantum clocks. By enabling reliable entanglement distribution over distance, the collaboration lays the groundwork for interconnected quantum devices operating as part of a unified network.
The Delft–Rotterdam loop serves as a real-world testbed for evaluating performance, stability, and scalability of entanglement distribution across operational fiber networks. The project focuses on key challenges such as signal attenuation, synchronization and integration into carrier-grade infrastructure.
“Our project demonstrates how existing fiber infrastructure can evolve to support the next generation of quantum technologies.” said Marc Hulzebos, Innovation manager at Eurofiber. “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 of Delft Networks, adds: “Deploying entanglement over operational telecom networks allows us to understand and address practical constraints and accelerate the transition from R&D to scalable deployment.”
The project is supported by funding from QDNL Delft’s Regional Quantum Program, which involves the Province of South Holland, Metropoolregio Rotterdam Den Haag, and the municipalities of Delft, Leiden, Rotterdam and the Hague. The project underscores the province’s commitment to advancing quantum technologies and fostering collaboration between leading industrial players and the emerging quantum industry. The project marks an important step in bridging the gap between experimental quantum systems and carrier-grade network environments, reinforcing the Netherlands position at the forefront of quantum communication innovation.
Delft Networks mission is to connect the world in the quantum age. The ability to create long-range quantum connections – entanglement – unlocks fundamental advantages in communication, both augmenting classical networks and creating the foundation for quantum ones. Building on more than forty years of combined groundbreaking research in quantum networking across the founding team, Delft Networks span-out from QuTech at TU Delft in 2024 to build the next generation of deployment-ready full-stack quantum networks. With a rapidly growing team, we are leveraging breakthroughs in manufacturable photonically integrated qubits and in quantum network software and applications to unlock real-world advantage. Delft Networks is supported by funding from the European Innovation Council, the EU Chips JU pilot “Photonics 4 Quantum” and the EU Quantum Flagship programme “Quantum Internet Alliance”.