Durban — The eThekwini Municipality is to upgrade its computer network through a R3.5 million research project in conjunction with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

This will be done through quantum cryptology, which involves the encrypting and deciphering of codes and would result in added security for the municipal Information and Communication Technology (ICT) network.

According to a report presented to the council's executive committee on Tuesday, the municipality plans to extend the internal ICT systems to the public.

The envisaged communication infrastructure should be robust, reliable, secure and able to carry current and future volumes of traffic, according to the report.

A quantum network, such as the one being researched by UKZN's quantum physics department, would prove more secure than the current network and "can always detect eavesdropping".

The municipality will have an unsurpassed level of security on the network when the research is successfully entered into.

In addition, along with UKZN, the municipality would become a forerunner of technological achievements in the area of quantum networks and this will boost the global visibility of Durban.

The agreement between the municipality and UKZN would see the metro providing access to its fibre optic network for research purposes and identifying issues for research or investigation.

It would also provide funding for further research. UKZN would do the research, recruit the students and supervise the project.

The university has already received funding for the administrative and staffing costs, and the R3.5 million from the municipality would allow the research to take place on an existing network.

eThekwini Mayor, Obed Mlaba, said the project was the "right thing to do".

"We have had an extensive fibre optic network in place for a while now but we have not made full use of it. If (this research) will make the network so secure then it is a good thing," said Mr Mlaba.