Jim Zou explores secure networks in the quantum era in Optica’s Quantum‑Era Optical Infrastructure webinar

• Speakers: Jim Zou, director of global business development at Adtran; David Hillerkuss, senior research engineer at Nokia Bell Labs (host); Kasia Balakier, optical systems engineer at European Space Agency (ESA); Robert Bedington, co‑founder and CTO at SpeQtral; Robert Woodward, senior research scientist at Toshiba
• Topics: Quantum‑era optical infrastructure


• When: Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 9 a.m. ET
• Where: Optical Networks Toward 2030: Optica technical webinar series https://osa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nI0mniQeQq-1yqCE6U5BZA#/registration

Next‑generation optical networks are at the heart of global connectivity, yet they face growing exposure to long‑horizon data‑harvesting and interception risks as computing capabilities advance. Operators are examining different countermeasures, from quantum-resistant key exchange to infrastructure monitoring, together with modern network design, can protect high‑value traffic across metro and long‑haul transport while preserving performance and operational simplicity.

In this webinar, Jim Zou will share practical considerations for building secure optical transport in the quantum era. Speakers from ESA, SpeQtral and Toshiba will also address where QKD fits in today’s networks, how to plan for crypto‑agility across mixed environments, and what to watch for as standards and deployment models evolve.