Quantum Computing Inc. and Ciena Demonstrate Next-Generation Quantum-Secured Communications with High-Speed Encryption using PQC and QKD at OFC 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Quantum Computing Inc (Nasdaq: QUBT) and Ciena (Nasdaq: CIEN) demonstrated a next‑generation quantum‑secured communications architecture at OFC 2026, Booth #5355 on March 11, 2026.

The live demo integrates time‑frequency entanglement QKD, quantum identity authentication (QZEK‑P), classical authentication, and AES‑256‑GCM optical encryption scaling up to 1.6 Tb/s, with support for NIST‑certified post‑quantum algorithms and ETSI API interworking. Viewing requires prior approval.

News Market Reaction – CIEN

+0.77%

1 alert

+0.77% News Effect

On the day this news was published, CIEN gained 0.77%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Price move: 5.91% 52-week range: $49.21–$365.90 Optical encryption rate: 1.6 Tb/s +5 more

8 metrics

Price move 5.91% Change over prior 24 hours before this news

52-week range $49.21–$365.90 CIEN 52-week low and high before this news

Optical encryption rate 1.6 Tb/s Ciena Waveserver AES-256-GCM optical encryption capability

Encryption standard AES-256-GCM High-performance optical-layer encryption in demo

Booth location Booth #5355 Corporate Village booth at OFC 2026

Award year 2023 Edison Patent Award for QCi proprietary technology

Market cap $45,041,054,937 Pre-news market capitalization for CIEN

200-day MA $169.32 CIEN 200-day moving average before this news

Market Reality Check

Price: $339.95 Vol: Volume 2,967,272 is rough...

normal vol

$339.95 Last Close

Volume Volume 2,967,272 is roughly in line with 20-day average 2,984,769 (relative volume 0.99). normal

Technical Price 337.36 is trading above 200-day MA at 169.32, and about 7.8% below the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

CIEN is up about 5.91% while key peers like NOK (-2.19%), ERIC (-3.09%), ASTS (-...

1 Up

CIEN is up about 5.91% while key peers like NOK (-2.19%), ERIC (-3.09%), ASTS (-2.74%), and HPE (-4.18%) are down, indicating a stock-specific move despite one momentum peer (UI) up 3.30% without news.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: 2026-03-10 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
2026-03-10	AI networking showcase	Positive	+5.9%	OFC 2026 demos of AI-ready optics and quantum-safe encryption platforms.
2026-03-10	AI innovation launch	Positive	+5.9%	New optical and automation innovations targeting AI-driven bandwidth demand.
2026-03-05	Earnings release	Positive	-12.9%	Strong Q1 revenue and EPS growth with raised FY2026 revenue guidance.
2026-02-25	AI product launch	Positive	+3.1%	Launch of Vesta 200 6.4T CPX for high-density, low-power AI data centers.
2026-02-19	AI automation deal	Positive	+2.4%	Blue Planet AI tools adopted by Lumen to automate network operations.

Pattern Detected

Recent AI and networking announcements have generally seen positive price reactions, while strong earnings in early March saw a negative reaction, indicating occasional divergence on financial results.

Recent Company History

Over the last few weeks, Ciena has reported strong fiscal Q1 2026 results with revenue of $1.43 billion, raised full-year guidance to $5.9B–$6.3B, and highlighted AI-focused optical innovations and high-density pluggable engines. Several AI and networking product news items in February and March were followed by positive price moves, while the Q1 earnings release coincided with a -12.88% move. Today’s quantum-secured communications demo at OFC 2026 extends this theme of advanced optical and security capabilities.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement showcases CIEN’s role in quantum-safe, high-speed optical networking through a joi...

Analysis

This announcement showcases CIEN’s role in quantum-safe, high-speed optical networking through a joint demo that integrates quantum key distribution, post-quantum cryptography, and AES-256-GCM encryption up to 1.6 Tb/s. It extends a string of OFC 2026 and AI-centric product updates. Investors may track how such capabilities translate into customer deployments, revenue contributions, and whether future filings or earnings updates highlight traction for quantum-secured network solutions.

Key Terms

quantum key distribution, post-quantum cryptography, aes-256-gcm, quantum zero knowledge proof, +2 more

6 terms

quantum key distribution technical

"integrating quantum key distribution, quantum authentication, classical authentication..."

Quantum key distribution is a way of creating and sharing secret encryption keys using the laws of quantum physics, typically by sending tiny particles of light so that any eavesdropping automatically changes them and can be detected. Investors care because it promises much stronger, tamper-evident protection for sensitive data and communications—like a lock that signals if it’s been picked—affecting the value of cybersecurity, telecom and defense technologies as quantum computing advances.

post-quantum cryptography technical

"supports NIST-certified post-quantum cryptography algorithms and seamless third-party..."

Post-quantum cryptography is a set of new methods for scrambling data so it stays secure even if powerful quantum computers exist; think of replacing today’s locks with designs that a future high‑speed lockpicker cannot open. For investors, it matters because companies must upgrade systems, meet regulations, and protect customer and trade data—creating costs, competitive advantages, or legal and reputational risks depending on how quickly and effectively they adopt these new security standards.

aes-256-gcm technical

"high-performance AES-256-GCM optical encryption.The solution is designed..."

AES-256-GCM is a strong method for scrambling digital data so only authorized parties can read it, combined with a built-in check that detects if the data has been tampered with. Think of it as a high-grade safe with a tamper-evident seal for files and communications; for investors, its use reduces the risk of data breaches, helps meet regulatory and contractual security expectations, and protects company value and trust.

quantum zero knowledge proof technical

"Quantum Identity Authentication using Quantum Zero Knowledge Proof (QZEK-P), a hardware-based..."

A quantum zero knowledge proof is a cryptographic method that lets one party prove they have certain information or performed a computation to another party without revealing the information itself, using techniques that remain secure even against powerful quantum computers. For investors, it matters because it can protect sensitive data, enable private but verifiable transactions, and affect a company’s cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and competitive position—similar to proving you own a safe without opening it.

qkd technical

"time-frequency entanglement-based QKD and quantum identity authentication technologies with Ciena's..."

QKD stands for quantum key distribution, a method that uses the rules of quantum physics to create and share secret encryption keys so that any eavesdropping is detectable. For investors, QKD signals exposure to next‑generation cybersecurity technology that can protect sensitive data and communications against current and future threats (including quantum computers), potentially creating high-value contracts, licensing opportunities, or competitive advantage in secure networks.

etsi-standard api technical

"supports NIST-certified post-quantum cryptography algorithms and seamless third-party QKD system interworking using an ETSI-standard API."

An ETSI-standard API is a software interface built to follow technical specifications from the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), so different systems and vendors behave the same way when they connect. For investors, compliance with an ETSI API means lower integration costs, faster adoption and fewer regulatory or compatibility surprises—similar to using parts that share a common plug rather than custom fittings—which can help products scale and compete more predictably.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

HOBOKEN, N.J., March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Computing Inc. ("QCi" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: QUBT) an innovative, quantum optics and integrated photonics technology company, and Ciena (Nasdaq: CIEN) today announced a joint demonstration of next-generation quantum secure communications at OFC 2026 in the Corporate Village Booth #5355. The live demonstration showcases a comprehensive security architecture integrating quantum key distribution, quantum authentication, classical authentication, and high-performance AES-256-GCM optical encryption.

The solution is designed to address both current cybersecurity threats and future risks posed by quantum computers running Shor's algorithm by combining optical-layer encryption with quantum-secure and post-quantum cryptographic techniques.

"This collaboration demonstrates how quantum-secured communications can move from theory to deployment," said Pouya Dianat, Chief Revenue Officer of QCi. "By integrating our time-frequency entanglement-based QKD and quantum identity authentication technologies with Ciena's high-capacity optical encryption solution, we are delivering a layered security approach built for real-world networks."

The demonstration showcases how Ciena's Waveserver platform protects critical data at scale with optical AES-256-GCM encryption scaling up to 1.6 Tb/s that supports NIST-certified post-quantum cryptography algorithms and seamless third-party QKD system interworking using an ETSI-standard API.

"For businesses and network operators handling sensitive data, the shift towards quantum-safe communications has already begun," said Paulina Gomez, Senior Advisor, Portfolio Marketing at Ciena. "Our easy-to-deploy solution delivers high-speed quantum-safe communications straight out of the box, without impacting performance,  to protect critical in-flight data today while preparing for the quantum future. Collaborating with QCi demonstrates how our commercially available optical encryption can be deployed in real-world network environments with QKD technology to quantum-secure communication channels against even the most advanced threats."

QCi's system features a time-frequency entanglement-based QKD architecture using telecom-band photons for enhanced deployment stability. The solution can be augmented with Quantum Identity Authentication using Quantum Zero Knowledge Proof (QZEK-P), a hardware-based implementation of QCi's proprietary technology recognized with the 2023 Edison Patent Award.

The demonstration will be held in the Corporate Village at Booth #5355 and will require prior approval for viewing.

About Quantum Computing Inc.

Quantum Computing Inc. (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, quantum optics and integrated photonics technology company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines and foundry services for the production of photonic chips based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). QCi's products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. The Company's portfolio of core technologies and products offer unique capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, as well as remote sensing applications.

Through its acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor, Inc., in February, 2026, QCi accelerated its technology roadmap while expanding technical depth, manufacturing capabilities, and its product portfolio to photonics and optics components, subsystems, and systems. 

About Ciena

Ciena is the global leader in high-speed connectivity. We build the world's most advanced networks to support exponential growth in bandwidth demand. By harnessing the power of our networking systems, interconnects, automation software, and services, Ciena revolutionizes data transmission and network management. With unparalleled expertise and innovation, we empower our customers, partners, and communities to thrive in the AI era. For updates on Ciena, follow us on LinkedIn and X, or visit the Ciena Insights webpage and Ciena website.

Company Contact:
John Nesbett/Zach Nevas
IMS Investor Relations
qci@imsinvestorrelations.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements and forecasts, generally identified by terms such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "enhance,"  "intends," "goal," "objective," "seek," "attempt," "aim to," or variations of these or similar words, involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations of QCi and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including the ability of the integrated solution to address current and future cybersecurity and quantum threats, the performance of QCi's and Ciena's products as an integrated system, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Except as required by federal securities law, QCi undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed conditions.

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SOURCE Quantum Computing Inc.

FAQ

What did Ciena (CIEN) and Quantum Computing Inc demonstrate at OFC 2026?

They demonstrated a layered quantum‑secure communications system combining QKD, quantum identity, and AES‑256‑GCM optical encryption. According to the companies, the demo showed time‑frequency entanglement QKD, quantum identity authentication (QZEK‑P) and optical encryption scaling up to 1.6 Tb/s.

What encryption speed and standards does Ciena's Waveserver support in the OFC 2026 demonstration?

Ciena's Waveserver demonstrated optical AES‑256‑GCM encryption scaling up to 1.6 Tb/s and support for post‑quantum cryptography. According to Ciena, the system supports NIST‑certified PQC algorithms and ETSI‑standard API interworking with third‑party QKD systems.

How does QCi's QKD technology work in the OFC 2026 demo with CIEN (CIEN)?

QCi used a time‑frequency entanglement‑based QKD architecture operating in the telecom band for deployment stability. According to QCi, this approach uses telecom‑band photons and can be augmented with Quantum Zero Knowledge (QZEK‑P) identity authentication hardware.

Will the OFC 2026 demonstration of quantum‑secure communications be publicly accessible?

The demonstration will be available in the Corporate Village at Booth #5355 but requires prior approval for viewing. According to the companies, interested parties must obtain approval before attending the live demo to access the booth presentation.

What practical benefit does the joint CIEN and QUBT solution claim to provide network operators?

The joint solution aims to protect in‑flight data today while preparing for quantum threats by combining optical encryption with quantum‑secure and post‑quantum techniques. According to the companies, it delivers high‑speed, deployable quantum‑safe communications without impacting network performance.