Technology

Nokia and Turkcell achieve world-first quantum-safe IPsec cryptography milestone, securing mobile networks against future quantum computing threats. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Nokia and Turkcell have achieved milestone by demonstrating the world’s first implementation of quantum-safe IPsec network cryptography for mobile subscribers 

This achievement is a significant step forward in protecting mobile networks from future quantum computing threats. By adopting cutting-edge cryptographic standards, Nokia and Turkcell are proactively strengthening network security to ensure long-term resilience in mobile communications.

The rise of quantum computing poses serious risks to traditional cryptography, potentially enabling quantum attacks that can bypass current security measures. As this technology evolves, it is crucial for networks to adopt robust solutions to mitigate these emerging threats.

Safeguarding mobile communications

Turkcell’s mobile transport network now features quantum-safe IPsec cryptography, integrated as part of a defense-in-depth, crypto-resilient strategy. This landmark demonstration utilised Nokia’s widely deployed IPsec Security Gateway, showcasing its ability to safeguard critical data against quantum-era threats.

By embracing advanced cryptographic techniques, Nokia and Turkcell are not only enhancing security for today but also preparing for technological advancements in the future. Mobile users can trust that their communications remain protected now and in the years ahead.

Dr Vehbi Çağrı Güngör, Turkcell chief network technologies officer, remarked, “This test represents a significant milestone in the evolution of our network security. As part of our strategy to continually enhance the security of our mobile network, this collaboration with Nokia provides us with the confidence that our transport security can withstand the challenges of the quantum era. By demonstrating these quantum-safe cryptography capabilities today, we are preparing our network for the future.”

Rafael De Fermin, senior vice-president of Network Infrastructure Europe, Nokia, added, “Through our collaboration with Turkcell we’ve shown how our quantum-safe IPsec technology can protect mobile networks against the evolving security threat landscape. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to safeguard the privacy and integrity of mobile technology. Our solutions provide a proactive defense-in-depth crypto-resilient approach against future network security challenges, ensuring that Turkcell’s network remains secure for years to come.”

This achievement underscores Nokia’s leadership in network security, particularly in the mobile telecom sector. The implementation of quantum-safe cryptography reinforces Nokia’s role at the forefront of creating secure, reliable network infrastructures. It also reflects the company’s dedication to addressing risks associated with emerging technologies like quantum computing.

Raxio Mozambique and Raxio Ethiopia join a growing portfolio of Tier III-certified data centres. (Image source: Raxio)

Raxio Group, a leading carrier-neutral Tier III data centre operator, has achieved the Uptime Institute Tier III Certification of Constructed Facility (TCCF) for its facilities in Mozambique and Ethiopia

This certification confirms that these facilities have been constructed in accordance with the original Tier III Design Certification standards and rigorously tested to meet Uptime Institute’s performance criteria.

"Achieving the Uptime Institute Tier III Facility Certification for our Mozambique and Ethiopia facilities is a significant milestone,” explained Robert Saunders, chief technology officer at Raxio Group. “It reassures our customers that these data centres are designed and constructed to meet the highest international standards.”

The certification proves that the data centres are capable of providing the expected reliability and performance under various operational conditions. For Raxio, the awarding of this has been viewed as another step along the path to meeting the growing demand for quality data centre infrastructure in Africa – a goal it has made central to its overarching mission. It is pursuing this in order to enable digital transformation, supporting economic growth and creating sustainable solutions for businesses across the continent.

“This guarantees operational resilience, reliability, and a robust environment to support their critical business operations,” added Saunders. “Our customers can confidently scale and innovate, knowing that their data is hosted in facilities that are built for peak performance and future growth.”

The partners have identified the increasing demand for AI-ready infrastructure across Africa. (Image source: Exclusive Networks)

Supermicro, a leader in application-optimised total IT, has sought to expand its footprint across Africa by appointing Exclusive Networks Africa, a trusted cybersecurity specialist, as a distributor for the region

“The African market is marked by its rapid adoption of cutting-edge technology, largely due to a reduced dependence on legacy infrastructure. Exclusive Networks Africa’s strong presence across East and West Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Indian Ocean Islands makes it an ideal partner to drive our growth ambitions,” remarked Wynand Möller, regional manager – sub-Saharan Africa at Supermicro.

“In a vast and diverse market like Africa, having a partner with the pedigree of Exclusive Networks Africa is critical. The company’s precision focus on security and data centre technologies aligns perfectly with our emphasis on next-generation solutions.”

All eyes on AI

The two have a shared commitment to advance AI technologies and, to this end, Supermicro’s advanced graphical process unit (GPU) solutions will play a pivotal role. The GPU-driven innovations are designed to deliver robust, scalable and flexible infrastructure for AI acceleration, helping enterprises unlock new possibilities in AI deployment and data centre operations.

Möller added, “As the world’s third largest supplier and consumer of technology, behind only Microsoft and Meta, Supermicro’s GPU offerings play a key role in AI acceleration. This technology will form the cornerstone of the partnership with Exclusive Networks Africa, with a strong focus on GPU and data centre-related technology.”

“Organisations in Africa are increasingly repatriating their digital assets – such as data, applications or entire business processes – from public cloud environments to on-premises data centres, motivated by the need for greater control, performance, security and cost-efficiency,” commented Stefan van de Giessen, general manager for Africa at Exclusive Networks Africa.

“This trend is further driven by global geopolitical uncertainties and currency fluctuations impacting cloud costs. Exclusive Networks Africa is thrilled to collaborate with a company like Supermicro, a leader in advanced GPU technology, thanks to the growing AI market.”

Sustainability at the core

Supermicro has also explained that sustainability is a key cornerstone of the new partnership, with the company’s products designed for free-air cooling, liquid cooling-readiness and to reduce e-wastage.

“Very importantly for a region like Africa though is the focus on reducing power consumption,” said Van de Giessen. “Supermicro achieves this by sharing fans and power supplies, resulting in a more optimised operation, something that the business claims can reduce electricity use by an estimated 10%.”

The compact and modular design of the NEWgenerator makes it easy to transport, install and commission on site. (Image source: WEC Water)

WEC Water, a leading mechanical and electrical EPC contractor, has supplied and installed 15 NEWgenerator off-grid sanitation systems in a number of Eastern Cape schools

The contractor undertook this work in light of the undignified and unsafe sanitation that posed a major problem to some schools in Eastern Cape. According to Ntwanano Mandlazi, project engineer at WEC Water, many had previously relied on unsafe and unhygienic pit latrines while being located in areas where water is scarce and electricity is unreliable.

Safe and efficient water treatment

In order to meet such challenges, WEC Water proposed the NEWgenerator that treats blackwater from toilets and basin water through biological, physical and chemical processes to a quality suitable for reuse as flushing water in a virtually closed loop system.

According to the company, each NEWgenerator is built into a 6 m refurbished shipping container and consists of an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR), membrane filtration, a nutrient capture system (NCS) and disinfection. The systems also allow for remote monitoring by the WEC Water team and each unit is powered by 10 solar panels.

Each NEWgenerator is reportedly capable of treating 1,250 l of wastewater per day and nutrients can be recovered from the NCS for conversion into fertiliser. Further, the biogas which can be produced from the treatment process can be captured for cooking.

An impact in South Africa

The systems have now been deployed to 15 schools in the region.

“Once the WEC team has built, installed and commissioned the units, we also have a five-year operations and maintenance contract,” Mandlazi surmised. “This highlights our dedication to supporting these schools with the ongoing operation and upkeep of these units. We are particularly proud of our association with the NEWgenerator technology as it enables Africa to overcome the major challenges of access to safe flushing water and sanitation, ultimately restoring a greater sense of dignity to its people. The technology not only benefits schools but also informal settlements, and small businesses.”