Patero and Eridan Pioneer Quantum-Safe Open RAN for 5G

Two U.S.-based companies—Patero and Eridan—have joined hands to reshape the future of secure 5G communication. Together, they’ve brought post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN)—a modular and open framework that powers the next generation of mobile networks.

Patero has successfully integrated its CryptoQoR™ suite, a flexible cryptography platform, with Eridan’s low-power 5G radios. As a result, this combination makes wireless communication resistant to both current and future threats, including those posed by quantum computers.

Future-Proof Encryption, Built Into the Network

Eridan’s radios, designed using Direct Polar Modulation, offer impressive energy savings—up to 5X lower power consumption compared to legacy radios. Despite using just 0.5 watts total output power, these units deliver Category B coverage and high throughput, making them ideal for private 5G networks.

When paired with CryptoQoR™, the setup ensures:

• End-to-end quantum-resistant encryption
• Flexibility to swap cryptographic algorithms
• Fast integration with existing infrastructure
• Support for zero-trust architecture

These features are aligned with U.S. Executive Order 14144 and National Security Memorandum 10, which mandate post-quantum readiness in critical infrastructure.

Use Cases Across Critical Sectors

The Patero-Eridan solution is designed for deployment across sectors like:

• Urban public networks
• Ports and airports
• Educational campuses
• Agricultural operations
• Private 5G networks in industrial zones

The radios weigh just 2.5 kg, cover bands from 600 MHz to 4.2 GHz, and deliver clean signal output that breaks traditional benchmarks. This makes them well-suited for remote or power-constrained environments.

Why This Matters for India

India’s telecom operators, government bodies, and data-driven enterprises are rapidly digitizing. But quantum computing poses a threat to today’s encryption.
By 2030, even mid-sized quantum computers could break public-key systems used in banking, Aadhaar systems, e-governance portals, and critical infrastructure.

A recent report assessing India’s BFSI sector gave it a low 2.4/5 readiness score against quantum threats.

This collaboration between Patero and Eridan provides a ready-to-deploy, scalable, and energy-efficient solution that India can adopt for:

• Quantum-safe smart city rollouts
• Protecting national digital infrastructure
• Securing defense and telecom networks
• Reducing energy usage in 5G deployments

India is already investing in its National Quantum Mission and Open RAN pilot networks. Integrating post-quantum secure radios into this roadmap would position India ahead of the curve.

The Road Ahead

To secure its digital infrastructure, India should:

• Encourage Open RAN + PQC trials in ports, airports, and PSU campuses
• Mandate crypto agility in 5G procurements and public network upgrades
• Support domestic firms building post-quantum solutions, like QNu Labs
• Align with global standards on quantum-safe migration (NIST, ETSI, etc.)

With Eridan’s hardware and Patero’s cryptography, India has a real chance to leapfrog into a quantum-secure telecom future—efficient, sovereign, and resilient.