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PortoVecchio 5G (PV5G) supports the regeneration of the Old Port area of Trieste by deploying an advanced 5G infrastructure integrated with edge computing resources. The project aims to transform this strategic urban area into an innovation district dedicated to education, research, and digital services for citizens, enterprises, and public administrations. High data rates, low latency, and reliability are key enablers for the development of advanced applications and real-world demonstrations.

By addressing the current lack of adequate 5G coverage in the area, PV5G introduces new indoor and outdoor network nodes and provides a realistic environment for testing and showcasing next-generation digital services. The project therefore acts as a living laboratory for advanced connectivity solutions within a real urban context.

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The Role of the University of Trieste

Within the PV5G consortium, the University of Trieste contributes its established expertise in secure communications and quantum technologies. The University plays a key role in bringing quantum communication concepts into the 5G ecosystem, bridging fundamental research and applied network innovation.

The involvement of the University of Trieste goes beyond a purely academic contribution, focusing on the design, validation, and demonstration of advanced security architectures that combine classical and quantum technologies. This strengthens the position of Trieste as a regional and national reference point in quantum communication and network security.

The deployment of 5G networks enables critical services such as advanced digital education, public services, and smart infrastructure. In these scenarios, secure key management is essential to ensure confidentiality and integrity of communications.

Within PV5G, the University of Trieste promotes the integration of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) as a complementary security layer for 5G networks. QKD allows cryptographic keys to be distributed using the principles of quantum mechanics, offering security guarantees rooted in physical laws rather than computational assumptions.

PV5G provides an ideal testbed to explore the integration of QKD in a realistic 5G environment, assessing interoperability, performance, and suitability for concrete use cases.

A distinctive element of the University of Trieste’s contribution is the establishment of a Quantum Communication Lab within the PV5G infrastructure. The lab serves as a space for experimentation, demonstration, and training, where quantum communication technologies can be tested in synergy with 5G and edge computing resources.

The laboratory supports applied research, technology transfer activities, and the training of students and professionals, contributing to the growth of local expertise in quantum-secure communications.

Through PV5G, the University of Trieste contributes to strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem by integrating quantum communication technologies with next-generation digital infrastructures. The project advances research on secure communications while supporting the transformation of the Porto Vecchio area into a hub for innovation, education, and advanced digital services.

Overall, PV5G demonstrates how quantum technologies can be progressively introduced into real network environments, addressing emerging security needs and supporting the evolution of future communication systems.

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