Quantum internet: The next revolution in digital communication

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• July 19, 2022

Insight summary

While the internet has transformed society, it faces security vulnerabilities, driving research into the quantum internet. Quantum systems employ qubits, which enable the processing of information in a fundamentally different way, presenting unique challenges and opportunities. Recent breakthroughs in stabilizing quantum states open doors for quantum encryption, promising enhanced data security, faster data transfer, and transformative impacts across industries.

Quantum internet context

While the Internet has revolutionized modern society, it remains rife with security vulnerabilities that endanger digital ecosystems and critical public infrastructure. To address these weaknesses, researchers are now investigating the possibilities offered by a quantum Internet, which may become a reality sooner than previously predicted.

Traditional computer systems execute instructions according to bits (or binary digits) with a single value of 0 or 1. Bits are also the smallest possible data unit used by computers. Quantum systems have taken instruction execution to the next level by processing bits similar to traditional computers but also leveraging qubits, which allow it to process 0s and 1s simultaneously. These qubits exist in fragile quantum states, which have been difficult to maintain in a stable form and pose a challenge to quantum computer researchers. 

However, in 2021, researchers at the Japanese conglomerate Toshiba were able to stabilize the environment inside fiber optic cables over 600 kilometers by sending noise-canceling waves down the fiber-optic lines. In China, researchers are developing a satellite-based method to develop an integrated space-to-ground quantum communication network spanning 4,600 kilometers—the biggest of its kind.

These developments have opened the door for quantum-based encryption in a quantum internet. Accordingly, the laws of physics involved with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) make them impossible to hack, as any interaction with them would change the entangled states of the particles involved, alerting the system that someone had interacted with them. Three-way entanglement has also been demonstrated successfully, allowing three users to share secret information in a close network.

Disruptive impact 

Quantum communication holds the promise of safeguarding the most critical data for governments and organizations. In national security, this becomes an indispensable tool, as it ensures that classified information, military communications, and critical infrastructure data remain safe from cyber threats. This heightened level of security offers a shield against potential attacks from quantum computers that could compromise traditional cryptographic systems.

Furthermore, quantum internet can facilitate the transfer of vast amounts of data over long distances, promising exponential improvements in network processing speeds. In the finance sector, high-frequency trading and real-time market analysis may enable traders to make split-second decisions. Meanwhile, astronomers can receive real-time data from telescopes worldwide, leading to a deeper understanding of the cosmos, while particle physicists can analyze massive datasets generated by particle accelerators without delay, accelerating the pace of scientific discovery.

However, one must also consider the potential security challenges posed by quantum devices and networks. Quantum computers, with their unmatched processing speeds and computational power, have the capability to crack traditional cryptographic systems that underpin the security of today's digital world. To address this, governments, organizations, and businesses may need to invest in post-quantum cryptography. Transitioning to quantum-safe encryption is not a simple task, as it involves updating the entire digital infrastructure.

Implications of quantum processing within the communications industry 

Wider implications of a quantum internet becoming widely available may include:

• Governments and businesses investing substantially in the development and maintenance of quantum networks and technologies, requiring significant financial resources and strategic planning.
• The geopolitical landscape shifting as nations strive to secure their own quantum Internet infrastructure, leading to increased international competition and cooperation in the quantum technology space.
• Individuals and organizations gaining access to highly secure and private communication tools, enabling confidential exchanges but also raising concerns about the potential misuse of such technology for illicit purposes.
• The healthcare industry experiencing advances in medical research, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.
• New job opportunities in quantum technology-related fields, driving demand for skilled professionals in quantum computing, cryptography, and network security.
• The energy requirements of quantum devices and networks impacting electricity consumption, requiring the development of energy-efficient quantum technologies.
• Increased international cooperation on quantum research and standards ensuring compatibility and security in a globally connected quantum Internet.

Questions to consider

• How else do you think the quantum internet and private quantum communication networks will benefit the public? Or private industry?
• Do you believe classical, bit-based computing will continue to exist even as quantum-based technologies supersede it? Or will the two computing methods exist in equilibrium depending on their strengths and weaknesses?