Vienna – October 16, 2026 -- Macao carrier CTM and Huawei have jointly developed a target IP architecture that integrates quantum key distribution (QKD) with communication networks, as CTM outlined a plan to make security a built-in network function rather than an edge-firewall add-on.
CTM presented the roadmap in a keynote at Network X 2026. The operator is moving its network from a traditional connectivity pipe to what it calls intelligent, deterministic and secure infrastructure, aimed at speeding up enterprise digital transformation in Macao.
CTM adds AGW and AI BNG capabilities to steer traffic and cut bandwidth costs
CTM is introducing AGW and AI broadband network gateway (BNG) capabilities to give the network service awareness and dynamic scheduling. The system steers traffic to optimal paths, with the stated goals of improving user experience and lowering international bandwidth costs.
The next phase, AGW 2.0, will combine telemetry with AI-powered analytics. CTM says this shifts optimization from manual to AI-driven automatic, delivering a deterministic, differentiated experience for high-value scenarios and supporting revenue growth in government and enterprise business.
CTM outlines three security modernization areas beyond the network edge
CTM argues that security planning must go beyond a firewall at the network edge. It proposes three areas for network modernization:
- Built-in device security: Devices use built-in security and AI-powered behavior analytics to spot abnormal behavior in real time, replacing signature- and rule-based defense with behavior-based detection.
- Security as a service: Carriers pool capabilities such as DDoS defense, IPS and anti-phishing, and can provision security services within days without manual on-site deployment. Government and enterprise customers can subscribe on demand, which lets carriers monetize network security quickly.
- Quantum-era readiness: The CTM-Huawei QKD-communication architecture targets the risk quantum computing poses to traditional cryptographic frameworks.
QKD architecture targets critical-industry data and lower O&M costs
The joint architecture lets carriers advance quantum-safe technology validation and network planning ahead of the threat. CTM says it will provide next-generation security for data transmission in critical industries. A built-in QKD solution significantly reduces operations and maintenance costs, according to the company.
CTM and Huawei present the roadmaps as a blueprint for global carriers moving to intelligent, secure networks in the AI era. The source gives no deployment timeline, investment figures or customer contracts.